In the Garden:
Growth Characteristics:
• Perennial varieties:
• Needs protection during winter. Cover with frost cover or move to a more protected area if planted in a container. These varieties will give you basil flavour and fragrance in winter.
Height:
•up to 1.5m, Spread: up to 1m.
Cultivation:
• Full sun; Well drained, composted soil.
Harvesting:
• Pick fresh leaves during the growing season,
• Remove the flower heads regularly to encourage leaf growth and a more compact, bushy plant.
Companion Planting:
• Vegetables: Plant with Beans, Cabbage, Peppers, Summer Savory, Tomatoes,
• Plant with Fruit trees,
• Do not plant with: Rue.
Culinary use:
Use fresh leaves and flowers with:
• Avocado, Aubergines, Beans, Cabbage, Peppers, Salads, Tomatoes, Onion, Squash, Potato, Cucumber,
• Beef, Chicken, Fish, Lamb, Pork, Liver, Shellfish, Veal, Sausage,
• Cheese, Eggs, Omelets, Soufflés, Scrambled and Creamed eggs, Corn bread, Muffins, Stuffing,
• Asian dishes, Italian dishes, Mediterranean dishes,
• Salad dressings, Sauces, Pesto, Oils, Vinegars, Garnishing, Butters, Soups,
• Seeds soaked in water make a refreshing drink.
Health Benefits:
Basil may be beneficial in the following cases:
Metabolism
• Lowers fever,
• Fatigue, Detoxifying,
• Steep a few leaves in wine for several hours as a tonic.
Nervous system
• Mild sedative action, Insomnia, Anxiety, Antidepressant properties,
• Headaches, Migraines.
Skin
• Acne, Skin infections,
• Antiseptic, Rub on insect bites, and stings to relieve itching.
Respiratory system
• Made into a cough syrup with honey and taken as an infusion for colds.
Digestive system
• Improves digestion,
• Nausea, Abdominal cramps, Gastroenteritis,
• Against Bacterial infections and intestinal parasites.