Description
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum
Family
Lamiaceae
Spacing
1 per square foot
Depth
6 mm (¼”) deep
Requirements
Bright light indoors. Good ventilation for seedlings. Herbs do best in a hot, sunny spot. In these conditions they’ll make the highest level of the aromatic oils that give them their taste and aroma. They also prefer well-drained alkaline soil, pH 6-8.
Germination
Seeds will sprout in 5-7 days
Pests
Aphids and slugs. Aphids can be washed off with a strong jet of water. Slugs can be removed by hand. Basil is generally quite resistant when outdoors.
Timing
You can grow basil indoors all year. Start indoors in April / May for transplant to garden in June when the soil is warm.
Growing
Pinch tips for bushier growth when plant reaches about 15 cm (6″).
Harvest
60-90 days
Season
Warm, annual
Links
No sweat, ready in a few minutes home-made pesto recipe:
Basil Pesto
