A wonderful aromatic herb with beautiful purple-green leaves. It has a mild licorice or aniseed smell & flavour making it perfect for many Asian dishes. It makes an excellent potted herb and can be grown successfully indoors or outdoors. Useful as a border plant and can be grown well in pots and containers. Basil prefers warm conditions and full sun.

How to Sow Seeds

Method: Pots
Growing notes: Sow in the growing position, 5mm (1/4in) deep, spaced 30cm (12in) apart. Keep moist. Seeds can be sown year-round in pots. Basil thrives best in a sheltered position with well-drained soil. Staking the plants with bamboo prevents them collapsing in adverse weather. Pick the leaves as needed and remove flower heads to keep the plants producing vigorous leaves.

Growing Needs

Sunlight: Full sun
Water requirement: Moderate

Plant Characteristics

Suitable for small spaces: Yes
Suitable for pots / containers: Yes