Mr Fothergills - Pictorial Packet - Herb - Basil Sweet - 650 Seeds

This is a very popular basil with large sweet leaves, that can be used in a huge range of Mediterranean dishes. It is an essential for the windowsill. Sow and grow indoors for all year round crops. Sow 0.5cm deep, in small pots of compost. Water well and place in a warm position. A temperature of 15-20°C is ideal. Seedlings usually appear in 7-14 days. Grow on in cooler, but not cold conditions. For earlier outdoor crops, sow indoors March-May. Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions, avoiding frosts, before planting out into warm, well-drained soil, 20cm apart, during May-July. Alternatively, plants can be grown on a light windowsill. Sow outdoors March-May for ease, where they are to crop, 0.5cm deep, directly into finely prepared soil, which has already been watered. Thin seedlings to 20cm apart. For a continuous supply, make sowings at two to three week intervals. Leaves are best picked immediately before use.