Basil ‘Italian Large Leaf’
Harvesting regularly will encourage regrowth. In summer you can remove up to 2/3 of the plant thus leaving enough for regeneration, while providing you with an abundance of leaves and extending the growing period.
Basil will let you know when it needs watering by starting to wilt. Over watering can dilute its flavour, while stressing the plant increases its production of essential oils and enhances its flavour. Taking off the plant's tips once 15cm tall will encourage more branching and regrowth, and prevent flowering.
Eat immediately upon picking for best flavour. You can dry or freeze any excess leaves for later use. Some gardeners enjoy freezing harvested leaves rather than drying it, to better preserve the flavours and colours.
Basil is a tender herb that prefers daytime temperatures of 20°c – 30°c, and won’t thrive once night temperatures start to dip below 12°c. It will flourish best when positioned in a sheltered spot that avoids cold winds, as it doesn’t like being exposed to cold drafts. APPROX SEEDS PER PACKET: HOME GARDEN ($3.90) 500 seeds