Product description
Sweet Basil is a lush and highly aromatic herb cultivated primarily for the sweet, peppery flavour found in its soft, bright green leaves. This distinct taste, which features notes of anise, clove, and mint, is released instantly when the foliage is torn or bruised and is easily destroyed by excessive heat. It is traditionally used as the defining ingredient of Italian cuisine, serving as the base for Pesto Genovese and the perfect partner for ripe tomatoes and mozzarella in Caprese salads.
This plant is typically grown as a tender annual that thrives in warm, sheltered environments like sunny windowsills or greenhouses. It is extremely susceptible to cold and will turn black and die at the slightest hint of frost or chilly drafts. For the best results and largest leaves, plant it in a location with full morning sun, though it appreciates some shelter from scorching midday heat. It is not drought-tolerant and requires fertile, well-drained soil that is consistently kept moist through regular watering.
Please Note: When purchasing plants please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only - The plant will be supplied in a growers pot.
Great Basil
Basil Sweet
Basil Sweet
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Product description
Sweet Basil is a lush and highly aromatic herb cultivated primarily for the sweet, peppery flavour found in its soft, bright green leaves. This distinct taste, which features notes of anise, clove, and mint, is released instantly when the foliage is torn or bruised and is easily destroyed by excessive heat. It is traditionally used as the defining ingredient of Italian cuisine, serving as the base for Pesto Genovese and the perfect partner for ripe tomatoes and mozzarella in Caprese salads.
This plant is typically grown as a tender annual that thrives in warm, sheltered environments like sunny windowsills or greenhouses. It is extremely susceptible to cold and will turn black and die at the slightest hint of frost or chilly drafts. For the best results and largest leaves, plant it in a location with full morning sun, though it appreciates some shelter from scorching midday heat. It is not drought-tolerant and requires fertile, well-drained soil that is consistently kept moist through regular watering.
Please Note: When purchasing plants please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only - The plant will be supplied in a growers pot.
Give your plants the best start
Garden Plant Size Guide
Plants in larger pots can be multiple years older than their smaller counterparts with more mature root systems and foliage. This makes them able to thrive as a full size plant in your garden quicker than smaller alternatives.
The most common size of pot that garden plants come in are 9cm/1L/3L/5L this is in reference to the diameter at the top of the pot.
9cm potted plants still remain the most popular cost effective option though, they just may take a little patience to allow them to grow into full maturity once planted in your garden.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Sweet Basil wants to flower quickly, but doing so makes the leaves turn bitter and tough. To keep the plant productive and bushy, pinch off the growing tips regularly and remove any flower spikes the moment you see them forming.
How to Water
Sweet Basil hates having wet leaves and is prone to mildew and scorching if water sits on the foliage. Always water the plant at the base, directly onto the soil, preferably in the morning. Keep the soil moist but never sodden, as the stems can rot easily.
How to Plant
Plant Sweet Basil in rich, nutrient-dense compost. Because it loves heat, it is best kept in pots or containers that can be moved. Do not plant it outside until night-time temperatures are consistently warm (above 10°C/50°F).
