1.79 Basil - Lime

Herb

 

Ocimum basilicum

Description: For you basil lovers, don't let go of this packet! This rare and tasty basil will work wonders in vinegar, with fish, salad dressings, sauces and oils. It is a delight in salads! Lime basil also works well in other standard basil dishes, including pesto. Desserts are a perfect addition for lime basil. Can be grown inside during the winter in a warm, south window or under florescent lights. Combine the flavor of basil and lime and you get an unusual, dramatic, tasty basil! THIS PACKET PLANTS: (1) - 15' row or 3 successive plantings of 5' rows.
Seeding Info: Easy to grow from seed. Plant in spring, 1-2 weeks after average last frost and when soils are warm. Inside: plant 6-8 weeks before planting outside.
Culture: Annual, warm season. Very sensitive to frost.
Soil: Well drained, light, and lots of organic material. Mulching soils will keep in moisture, but do so after soils have gotten quite warm, so as not to retard growth.
Water: Must have a steady supply of moisture. Water soil, not foliage.
Exposure: Prefers full sun but will grown in light shade.
Fertilizer: Unless soils are very nutrient depleted, do not fertilize basil - it tends to decrease taste.
Special Care: Basil has traditionally been planted with peppers and tomatoes. Is thought by some to enhance growth of these vegetables. After 4-6 weeks of growth, pinch top to force side growth and prevent early flowering. Cut off any flower stems that appear. Can be grown inside in sun from south facing window.
Harvest Info: Basil should be harvested before the plant flowers. The young, top leaves taste the best and should be used fresh; the older leaves may be used for vinegar and pesto. Cut main stem, leaving at least 3 pair of leaves near ground - plant will regrow to produce additional leaves. Pick as late in the day as possible. If there is any chance of temperatures dropping to 32 degrees, harvest crop immediately; basil is very frost sensitive.