basil - holy
Ocimum tenuiflorum - Indian basil / holy basil
A small, upright, bushy variety with highly aromatic, purple-green, serrated leaves that are used in culinary dishes, particularly Thai. Ocimum tenuiflorum boasts attractive spikes of pink flowers that appear in summer and is a useful companion plant when grown alongside tomatoes (it deters whitefly). A short-lived, tender perennial, it is most commonly grown as an annual when regularly picked.
How to care for Ocimum tenuiflorum:
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 (6-8in) between plants. Pick plants over regularly (harvest from July to October) 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. (April to early June). Protect seedlings from slugs and cold and keep well-watered as they grow.
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 200 seeds
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