Organic Herb Basil, Deep Purple (a)

Basil, Purple
ocimum basilicum
Approx. 800 seeds per gram

The most aromatic and evocative of herbs, basil, for me, is the smell of summer and Mediterranean warmth. It does not like the cold and the soft, lush leaves are not frost hardy. Basil originated in India and came east through ancient Egypt and Greece. If you do not have a greenhouse basil will grow happily on a sunny windowsill and even outside in a sunny, sheltered spot. Purple basil has a deep purple leaf colour and pretty purple flowers. The flavour is slightly more spicy than sweet basil.

How to grow:
Basil is an annual herb. Sow seed from March to July in pots or seed trays at 22 -24°C. Prick out tray sown seedlings into individual 8cm pots when they are about 6cm tall. For windowsill herbs pot on once more into a 12cm pot otherwise transplant into the growing site. Direct sowings can also be made in June.
Succession sow throughout the season to ensure a supply of fresh leaves. Harvest individual leaves and then stems from June onwards.

Pests and diseases:
Basil can suffer from aphids, use a biological control if this is a problem.

How to use:
Purple basil is a great culinary type for Mediterranean dishes. It is the perfect partner of tomatoes and any salad or sauce with tomatoes will be great with it’s addition. You can use purple basil for making pesto and it is also extremely attractive as a garnish. Basil does not dry particularly well but you can chop it, add a little water and freeze in ice-cube trays.