basil - lettuce leaf
Ocimum basilicum lettuce leaved
A basil variety with extraordinarily prolific, large and soft, crinkled leaves, up to 12 cm (5”) long giving the plant a ‘lettuce’ appearance. The similarity ends there as the foliage has a mild basil flavour and aroma making it great for salads, pesto, and other cooked dishes. It is also slower to bolt than other types of basil, which gives a longer harvesting season. Like many aromatic herbs, Ocimum basilicum repels insects in the garden, naturally eliminating the use of most pesticides. Plant it near those susceptible to insect marauders and throughout the annual or cutting garden.
How to care for Ocimum basilicum lettuce leaf:
Pick plants over regularly and remove any developing flowerheads immediately to prevent bolting (running to seed) and to encourage lots of fresh young leaves.
Sowing instructions:
Sow seeds into pots of free-draining seed compost on a warm, sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse from late spring. Protect seedlings from slugs and cold and keep well-watered as they grow. Plant out into the herb garden or into roomy pots or troughs from early summer, after all threat of frost has passed, allowing 15-20cm between plants.
Eventual height:
0.5m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Frost tender
approx 300 seeds
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