BASIL Ocimum basilicum . Labiatae.

One of the most popular herbs at the moment.

All herbs should be used in moderation and not in large quantities. Please consult a Herbalist.

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	One of the most popular herbs at the moment. Nearly everyone has a pot on their windowsill.

Annual/biennial/Perennial	Half Hardy Annual
Appearance	Leaves can vary from pale green to red-purple and the flowers are whitish to pale red .
Height	2 ft/60cm
Growing Position	In a pot on the window sill or outside when all frosts have passed in a sunny sheltered position.
Fertiliser	Organic.
Propagation & soil	Sow seeds in warmth in March. Pot on shop bought plants, seperate if necessary. Moist well drained soil.
Spring	Transplant seedlings when they are about 4ins high either outside when the threat of frosts has passed or in pots to a sunny window sill.
Summer	Pinch out the early flowers as they will produce many right through the summer. In August allow some flowers to set seed. Harvest the leaves from June through to September. Feed lightly all through the summer.
Autumn	If you have very healthy plants you could put them in pots and take them indoors. Dont forget to save the seeds ready for next year.
Winter	Have it in pots on the sunny sill.
Use	The leaves and flowers.
Aromatic, Medicinal or Culinary	Medicinal and Culinary
Areas of help	Tonic, indigestion and nausea. The leaves rubbed on the skin can be used as an insecticide.
Specific Use	Add leaves to salads, pasta, breads and pizza. Flavour olives with the whorles of flowers.
Recipe Large doses can be harmful. Basic recipes and how to make, CLICK.

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