35-40 Days to maturity. Ocimum basilicum. Sweet Large Leaf Thai Basil Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, organic, open-pollinated, heirloom. Suitable for growing in fields, containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. A sweet large leaf Thai basil strain that produces tender leaves tasting somewhat like anise and producing a pungent aroma. The plants are about 1.5-2 feet tall and can be perennial in warm tropical climates, but are usually annuals everywhere winters cold. Does better in hot, dry conditions. ~22,000 seeds/oz. Download Free Herb Growing Guide PDF Read Full Basil Herb Growing Guide Instructions Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum Hardiness Zone: Annual in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Days to Maturity: 35-40 Days to Germination: 5-10 Seeding Depth: 0.25 inch Direct Sow: Yes Start Indoors: Yes, 6-8 weeks before transplanting. Plant Spacing: 9-12 inches Row Spacing: 12-18 inches Plant Height: 12-24 inches Plant Width: 9-12 inches Growth Habit: Upright branching Deer Resistant: No Soil Preference: Consistently moist, fertile, well-drained Temperature Preference: 65-80 F Germination Temperature: 68-70 F Light Preference: Full Sun Pests and Diseases: Susceptible to rot and mildew in overly saturated, heavy, and poorly drained soil. Basil does not have too many pests or insects and is generally seeded in the garden to help minimize pests. Sweet Large Leaf Thai Basil Color: Leaves green with purple tints, purple stems, tiny purple flowers on spikes. Sweet Large Leaf Thai Basil Flavor: Anise-like flavor with clove overtones Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container, Fields Climate Tolerance: Heat tolerant with adequate moisture. Growing Variety Type in the Herb Garden Basil is a warm-weather crop grown both indoors and out. For earliest starts, begin indoors 6-8 weeks before final frost. Plant 4-6 seeds .25 inches deep per cell or 3-4 inches apart in the garden in moderately moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Germinates in 5-10 days, thinning back to 1-2 plants per pot or every 9-12 inches in the garden as true leaves establish. Harden off seedlings if transplanting outside. Harvesting of Variety Type The best time to harvest the leaves is in the morning. Harvest/prune the plants before they set flowers to encourage the plant to produce fresh leaves throughout the season. To prune the plant, remove the top several sets of leaves on each stem, taking care to leave at least three sets of leaves on the lower part. A shot of liquid nitrogen fertilizer, at pruning time, will help the plants recover. Eat basil often and dry or freeze leaves throughout the summer. Harvest your final crop before the weather drops below 40°F, as the plant will not survive the cold. About Variety Type Garden Seeds Leaves are opposite, light green and silky. The plant tastes somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, sweet smell. Sweet Basil is very sensitive to cold, with the best growth in hot, dry conditions Tips From Our Gardeners "Make Thai pesto by blending Thai basil with garlic, peanuts (or cashews), lime juice, and olive oil—try using it as a spread, pasta sauce, or dip!" - Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer Variety Type Seeds Per Package: 1 g packet - Approximately 600 Seeds .25 oz - Approximately 5,500 Seeds 1 oz - Approximately 22,000 Seeds 4 oz - Approximately 88,000 Seeds 1 lb - Approximately 352,000 Seeds Non-GMO Variety Type seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
