did you know?

Basil is sacred in Hindu India, a token of love in Italy, and its name comes from the Greek word for "king." Some early herbalists argued the herb could drive away melancholy, while others claimed it drove men mad. Today it is best known as an important ingredient in Italian food, although its culinary use began in India and southeast Asia.

symbolism:

According to an Italian tradition, basil is a symbol of love: If a man offers a woman a sprig of basil, she will fall in love with him and remain forever faithful.

general maintenance:

To promote new growth and bushiness, pinch terminal buds often; to encourage leaf development, pinch flowers. As long as it hasn't yet flowered, basil can be rejuvenated in midsummer by shearing it back, fertilizing, and watering.

pests/diseases:

Aphids may occur.

controls:

Hose off aphids with a strong stream of water, apply horticultural-oil spray, or use beneficial insect predators.

how to sow/plant:

Start seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost; sow 1/4 inch deep, thinning to 2 inches apart once true leaves emerge. After danger of frost has passed and soil temperature reaches 60 degrees, transplant to containers or garden. Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil, amend with well-rotted manure or compost, and set plants 1 foot apart. Water upon planting, and mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture all season. Feed biweekly with a balanced fertilizer, following package directions.

garden hint:

Harvested basil will keep for a week in a glass of water out of direct sun, but these cold-sensitive plants will blacken quickly if refrigerated. To preserve basil longer, place washed leaves with olive oil in a blender and puree. Freeze the resulting pesto in ice cube trays. Once frozen, remove pesto cubes and transfer to freezer bags.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Fragrant
• Heirloom

garden uses:

• Containers
• Flowerbed borders

other uses:

• Culinary/Edible (leaves and flowers)

combine with:

other culinary herbs, such as anise, chives, dill, nasturtium, and parsley, in the kitchen garden or in containers.