Ocimum basilicum 'Bonazza'

Ocimum basilicum 'Bonazza' is a variety of Genovese basil, appreciated for its flavours and good post-harvest performance. With a dense and compact growth, reaching about 40cm (16in) in height, it is perfect for both pot and container cultivation on a balcony or window sill, as well as in the vegetable garden alongside other aromatic plants. Derived from Genovese basil, traditionally grown in Italy for the famous "pesto alla genovese", this vigorous variety produces beautiful large, wide and crinkled leaves, of a lovely bright green colour. Highly aromatic, they enhance the flavours of summer dishes. Sowing takes place from March to May for a harvest that extends from June to October.

This basil prefers a well-ventilated location, in the sun, with rich and well-drained soil. In a pot, the plant requires regular watering, but not excessively, avoiding watering the foliage.

The use of basil in the Mediterranean basin dates back to antiquity. In Roman times, this plant was the emblem of lovers, while in Greek culture, it symbolized hatred and misfortune! Basil is a culinary herb used to flavour and enhance dishes. Rich in essential oil, basil has soothing, anti-inflammatory, and stimulating properties.

The 'Bonazza' Basil offers a high resistance to basil fusarium wilt, a canker that develops around the stems, blackens the leaves, causing the death of the plant, and botrytis, a common disease in basil, which spreads in mild and humid weather, causing the appearance of white spots on the leaves.

Basil flowers contain an essential oil based on eucalyptol and eugenol. Its use helps to fight anxiety and infections, it is an antispasmodic and an antibacterial with calming and relaxing properties.

In the garden, Basil thrives in any good humus-bearing and well-drained soil. It particularly fears cold and excessive humidity. It can be grown in non-burning sun or partial shade. Basil is an easy and practical plant to grow in pots or containers. To maintain sufficiently rich soil, provide an annual supply of well-decomposed compost (3kg/m²) in late autumn or early spring.

Harvest: between 6 to 10 weeks after sowing. From early summer to autumn, harvest the leaves as needed, simply by cutting them by hand or with scissors. The optimal time to harvest your potent basil is when its leaves release a pleasant and appealing fragrance.

Uses: 'Bonazza' basil is appreciated for its sweet, herbaceous, and aniseed flavour, ideal for garnishing and flavoring fresh and cooked dishes. It pairs well with many ingredients such as tomatoes, cheeses, fruits, and meats. The leaves enhance the flavours of Italian, Thai, and French cuisine. It is particularly suitable for making pesto (or pesto alla genovese), a traditional condiment in Italian cuisine. It can be stored in the refrigerator in water or between paper towels.

Storage: basil can be kept fresh for a few days 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: if you use your 'Bonazza' basil for its aromatic foliage, do not hesitate to regularly pinch the plant and water it to stimulate the production of new leaves. If, on the other hand, you are looking for intense and long-lasting flowering throughout the summer, remove faded inflorescences to initiate the formation of new flowers.

Tips: In a vegetable garden, a beneficial association consists of growing basil between each tomato plant. The roots of basil secrete nematocidal substances that provide protection to tomatoes against nematodes. This association is also extremely practical, as it allows for harvesting tomatoes and basil in one place, creating an ideal combination for preparing a deliciously fragrant and flavourful summer salad!