Basil Large-Leaved for Pots and Containers

Basil Large-Leaved for Pots and Containers — variety description

Basil Large-Leaved for Pots and Containers (Ocimum basilicum) is an annual herb of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). A suitable variety for containers.

This variety is especially productive in hot weather or in a greenhouse.

It performs well in containers, but do not let it dry out.

Pick the young leaves regularly to extend the harvest.

A strongly aromatic plant with a high content of eugenol and rosmarinic acid.

Its traditional use is against stress, anxiety, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and dementia.

Basil is the king of aromatic herbs — for tomato salad, pesto, pasta and pizza. It grows easily in the garden, in a pot and on a windowsill.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 90%
• Pack size: 0.8 g
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: March and April; transplants or direct
• Flowering: June – September
• Harvest: June – September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Basil Large-Leaved for Pots and Containers

Basil Large-Leaved for Pots and Containers seeds are sown in March and April. The plants flower from June to September. The crop is harvested from June to September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Basil Large-Leaved for Pots and Containers

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: 0.3–0.5 cm
• Spacing: 20–30 cm
• Germination: 5–10 days at 20–25 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Basil seeds need warmth to germinate, ideally around 21°C. This can easily be achieved on a sunny windowsill indoors. Basil can also be grown indoors all year round, especially if you have a sunny window or full-spectrum lights. It does great in containers; just make sure you add some compost or another nutrient-rich amendment to your potting mix. Once germinated, encourage strong seedlings by giving them plenty of sun and moisture. Do not overwater: basil seedlings are very prone to damping off. A greenhouse is the ideal place for your basil plants, just make sure you water them often to prevent them from flowering prematurely.

Sow in warm soil — below 12 °C basil stops growing. Pinch out the tips so it branches, and remove flowers for more leaves.

Harvest and use

Pick the leaves before flowering — the aroma is strongest then. Cut above a pair of leaves so that new shoots form.

Frequently asked questions

When should Basil Large-Leaved for Pots and Containers be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March and April. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 90%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Can basil be grown on a windowsill?

Yes — on a sunny window, in a pot with drainage, with regular but moderate watering.

Why does basil turn black?

From cold below 10 °C or from overwatering. Only take it outside after mid-May.