Mix Basil - Ocimum basilicum

The 'Try Basil' mix is a beautiful assortment of three different varieties of basil: Genovese basil, with a powerful and penetrating flavour, dark red basil with a pronounced fragrance, and curly basil with decorative foliage. This mix is sown from March to May for a harvest from June to October, as needed.

Originating from tropical regions of Asia and Africa, basil forms a plant that reaches, depending on the varieties, between 30 and 50 cm (12 and 20in) high. It has upright, ramified stems with a square section like most Lamiaceae. It is an aromatic plant whose leaves, fresh or dried, are widely used in salads, marinades, or in pesto to accompany pasta, meat, or fish.

The use of basil in the Mediterranean basin dates back to Antiquity. For the Romans, this plant was the emblem of lovers, while for the Greeks, it symbolised hatred and misfortune! Basil is a condiment plant used to flavour and enhance dishes. Rich in essential oil, basil has soothing, anti-inflammatory, and stimulating properties.

Basil will require a supply of well-decomposed compost (3 kg/m²) in late autumn or early spring.

Harvest: Between July and October, basil is harvested as needed and as it develops.

Storage: Basil can be stored for a few days in a cool place in a glass filled with water. It can be dried in the shade and stored in an airtight jar, but unfortunately it loses some of its fragrance.

Gardener's tip: Regular weeding and hoeing should be done. Pinch the flowering stems so that new shoots can develop. The smell of its leaves repels mosquitoes.