How to Grow Sweet Basil

Uses: Cooking , teas, vinegars, jellies, oils, aromatherapy. Also in potpourris and sachets.

Size: Height 6"-2 feet (15-60cm)

Placement: Back of bed for taller varieties. Bush basil can be planted up front. Thrives in hot, sunny locations. Plant near tomatoes and peppers to enhance their growth. Protect from wind, frost and midday sum in the Mid-South. If you need a sweater outside, it's too early to plant basil.

Soil: Plant in loose, well drained, rich soil; dislikes heavy clay. pH 5.5-7.5.

Growing guidelines: Very easy to grow by seed. Sow seeds outdoors when all danger of frost is gone, to a depth of 1/8 inch. Thin to 6 inches. If you prefer, seeds can be started indoors six weeks before plant last frost. Transfer to small pots before setting outside.

Mulch with good compost and fertilize with an organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion.

Best climate: Zone 7-10.

Pest and disease: Best to keep away from mint to prevent damage from common pests. Good companion plant because it repels aphids and mites.

Harvesting and storing: Harvest leaves weekly by pinching terminal buds for a bushier plant. Snip off blooms to keep from going to seed. Best preserved chopped and frozen (in ice cube trays). Also keeps well in a glass jar covered with olive oil, or in a vinegar.

Other species and cultivars

Tai basil O. basilicum 'Horapha' grows to 1 1/2 feet (45cm). Leaves have sweet licorice scent. Purplish foliage and pink flowers.

Bush basil O. bascilicum var. minimum is a dwarf, bushy, compact plant with small green leaves. Great for formal herb gardens and in pots. Sometimes called Greek basil.

Lemon basil O.basilicum x citriodorum has flowers and foliage with a strong lemony fragrance with more compact leaves than sweet basil. Reseeds itself.

Purple basil O. bascilicum 'Purple Ruffles' is a beautiful basil with dark purple leaves. Makes a wonderful herbal vinegar.