West Coast Seeds
West Coast Seeds (Sweet Basil)
West Coast Seeds (Sweet Basil)
Couldn't load pickup availability
Sweet Basil seeds produce vigorous plants that grow big, mid-green leaves all summer long. Keep picking the growing tips and the 2 pairs of leaves below them for the kitchen. More branches sprout more leaves. Sweet basil is a large-leaved Italian type that is glorious for pesto. Plant Sweet Basil seeds several times for a continuous supply until frost. Grow one on a warm and sunny windowsill through the winter, or try it as microgreens for a tasty and aromatic garnish. This basil makes excellent pesto, and it's extremely easy to grow. Just supply good drainage and lots of sunshine.
| Latin Name |
Ocimum basilicum, Holy basil is O. tenuiflora. |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Exposure |
Full sun |
| Spouting | 5-10 days |
| Starting |
Sow seeds 1cm (½”) deep in sterilized seed starting mix. Basil is prone to damping off, so once seeds sprout, make sure they are adequately ventilated, and kept under very bright light. Thin to 20-25cm (8-10″) apart. Using bottom heat speeds germination. |
| Growing |
Use any rich, loose, well drained soil. Once plants are 15cm (6″) tall, pinch out the growing tips to encourage really bushy growth prior to harvest. Watch for signs of flower buds forming in mid-summer, and pinch these off to promote more foliage. |
| Seed Life | 3 years |
Large leaved, Italian type
Grow on a sunny windowsill
Vigorous plant grows big leaves
Sow several times for a continuous supply
Pinch the growing tips
