Herb : Basil : Siam Queen

Half-hardy Annual Herb

Description

A very fragrant selection and distinct improvement over other Thai Basils. Basil Siam Queen has an extra large leaf size and large plants mean more of that intense liquorice fragrance. The bright green leaves make an attractive foil for the purple-red stems which bear violet-pink flowers. Basil Siam Queen is superb as a container plant on the patio where you can smell its aroma. Excellent for bedding edging and the vegetable or flower garden. Height 20-30cm (8-12in).

Culinary note: Some parts of these flowers are edible. For more details about edible flowers click here.

Sowing Instructions

Sow seeds 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in good seed sowing compost from Late February to late April. Germination takes 7-14 days at 65-70F (18-20C).

Growing Instructions

When large enough to handle transplant the seedlings to boxes or 7.5cm (3in) pots and when well grown gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions. Plant out in May after all risk of frost has passed 30cm (12in) apart in full sun and well drained soil. For container plants and hanging baskets grow on in 7.5cm (3in) pots until well rooted and then plant up allowing each plant 10-15cm (4-6in) of space.

Aftercare

Save one or two plants to grow indoors on a sunny windowsill. Pick the leaves anytime for fresh use; for drying pick as the flowers start to open.