Basil : Basilico Genovese (Ocimum minimum)

Herb

• Crops in : May to October

Description

The most popular Basil, essential for authentic Italian cuisine with strong scent and flavour. Basil Basilico Genovese is easy growing herb for the windowsill or outdoors.

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

Sowing Instructions

Sow seeds in early spring under glass or on the windowsill. Sow seed thinly, 6mm deep, in trays filled with good compost. When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick out into trays of compost at 5cm apart.

Growing Instructions

After 4 weeks plant into 15cm pots, one plant per pot and place under protection or in sunny sheltered position outside. Alternatively, transplant into the open ground 25cm apart in a sunny, sheltered position. 15 days after transplanting pinch out growing points of the plants to produce bushy plants.

Kitchen Notes

Serving suggestion - 'Caprese salad'. Layer slices of tomato and mozzarella in a shallow dish, adding a basil leaf between each. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.