Basil, Cinnamon Seeds

Plant information:

Name: Ocimum basilicum
Sow: March to June 
Harvest: June to October  
Difficulty: Beginner

Cinnamon scented variety that lends itself well to marinades with lamb, beef or chicken. Lovely purple flowers towards the end of the season.

Uses:

• Marinades
• Salads
• Sauces 

Sowing Instructions:

Basil can be started undercover from mid-March. Start in Jiffy 7C pellets (available here) or seed trays (available here), then pot on into 7cm pots, and again into 9cm before planting out in late spring/early summer. The seeds can be sown directly from the middle of May.

Basil seeds need a bit of warmth to germinate. The heat of a sunny windowsill should be enough. 

Growing instructions:

Allow at least 50cm between plants if planting in open ground; this variety also does well in a pot. Pinch tips out to encourage the plants to become bushier. Feed once a month with a balanved feed to keep plants healthy. 

Harvestig instructions:

Pick frequently throughout the season to encourage new and bushy growth.

Notes:

As with all Basils, this is a favourite of Greenfly. Keep an eye on the underside of leaves for infestation; misting in the morning will help keep them at bay.