Sweet Basil

Extremely aromatic soft mid green leaves make this the most popular Basil of all. The summer salad must. Pinch out the flowers to maintain bushy leafy growth. Very frost tender. Basil plants are gross feeders and need plenty of organic fertilizer.

Annual. H:50cm W:45cm. 12cm, 17cm

Purple Basil

A very attractive plant with spicy scented deep purple oval leaves with clusters of pink flowers in summer. Use the leaves in salads, sauces and with pasta and rice dishes. Frost sensitive.

Annual. H:50cm W:50cm. 12cm,17cm

Basil 'Pink perennial'

Large, highly aromatic leaves with spikes of white flowers from early spring to late autumn. Leaves can be used in cooking wherever a basil taste is required. Its cold hardy nature will ensure the availability of basil right through winter.

Shrub. H:80m W:80cm. 12cm, 17cm

Basil Genovee

Large, soft, tasty leaves, that makes it ideal to use fresh in a variety of dishes

Basil 'Thai Siam Queen'

A neat, upright plant with medium sized leaves, beautiful clusters of purple flowers.

Basil 'Red Ruffle'

Large, serrated leaves, interesting texture and colour for salads or garnishing.

Basil 'Green Ruffle'

Large, serrated leaves, interesting texture and colour for salads or garnishing.

Lemon Basil

Large, serrated leaves, interesting texture and colour for salads or garnishing.

Basil 'Greek Columnar'

Columnar, upright growth habit. The small, soft leaves have an intense taste. Ideal for cooking and fresh use.

Basil 'Cinnamon'

Basil with a warm cinnamon taste

Basil White Perennial

Large, highly aromatic leaves with spikes of white flowers from early spring to late autumn. Leaves can be used in cooking wherever a basil taste is required. Its cold hardy nature will ensure the availability of basil right through winter.

Shrub. H:80m W:80cm. 12cm, 17cm.

Pasta with Basil

Basil is used for pesto's or to decorate your food and  can be used in a variety of dishes, pasta's, chicken and kebabs.

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.

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.

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.

Repellant for:
• Aphids, Asparagus beetles, Flies, Mites, Tomato hornworms,
• Juice of basil leaves rubbed onto skin repels mosquitoes,
• Fly repellent. The Mexicans rub the leaves over horses and blankets to keep insects away, especially the perennial basil.