Basil is a tender warm-season annual. Sow basil in the garden after all danger of frost has passed in the spring or start basil indoors as early as 6 weeks before the last frost for planting out after the weather has warmed. Basil is easily damaged by cold weather and will be killed by frost.
Use basil in cooking and basil's flavor partners: click here.
Description. Basil is a tender annual that can grow to 30 inches tall. Basil has square stems and opposite arranged leaves. Leaves are lightly toothed, pointed, and oval. Leaves can be bright green or purple-red. Spikes of small whitish or lavender flowers appear in mid to late summer.
Yield. Grow one basil plant per household. Succession planting will ensure a steady supply of basil.
Site. Plant basil in full sun. Basil will tolerate light shade. Grow basil in well-drained but moisture-retentive sandy loam. Soil too rich in organic matter will result in lush foliage but low oil content which can affect the strength of fragrance. Basil will grow in poor soil but well-drained soil. Basil prefers a soil pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Basil will grow easily in a sunny window.
Basil is a tender warm-season annual. Sow basil in the garden after all danger of frost has passed in the spring or start basil indoors as early as 6 weeks before the last frost for planting out after the weather has warmed. Basil is easily damaged by cold weather and will be killed by frost.
Use basil in cooking and basil's flavor partners: click here.
Description. Basil is a tender annual that can grow to 30 inches tall. Basil has square stems and opposite arranged leaves. Leaves are lightly toothed, pointed, and oval. Leaves can be bright green or purple-red. Spikes of small whitish or lavender flowers appear in mid to late summer.
Yield. Grow one basil plant per household. Succession planting will ensure a steady supply of basil.
Site. Plant basil in full sun. Basil will tolerate light shade. Grow basil in well-drained but moisture-retentive sandy loam. Soil too rich in organic matter will result in lush foliage but low oil content which can affect the strength of fragrance. Basil will grow in poor soil but well-drained soil. Basil prefers a soil pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Basil will grow easily in a sunny window.