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Kitchen Herbs

Italian Pesto Basil

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Kitchen Herbs

Italian Pesto Basil

(Ocimum basilicum)
EXCLUSIVE – Our imported Italian basil with its glossy dark green leaves and full-bodied zesty f...

(Ocimum basilicum)
EXCLUSIVE – Our imported Italian basil with its glossy dark green leaves and full-bodied zesty flavor is the classic strain for making pesto. Combine the delicious leaves with garlic, olive oil, grated cheese and toasted nuts to make homemade pesto sauce for pasta, baked potatoes or to accent fish or poultry, season soups and stews, or enhance salad dressings. You’ll have luscious leafy harvests all summer with plenty to freeze for winter feasting too!

Seed Count: Approx. 500 / Weight: 1 gm
$ 2.99
#5455
#5455
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Scroll down for full planting information, videos and how to articles.

ANNUAL

Summer/fall harvest
Heat-loving, frost tender


TO PLANT DIRECTLY INTO THE GARDEN

When late spring weather has thoroughly warmed up, sow seeds 1 inch apart in well worked fertile soil in full sun. Cover 1/4 inch deep, firm soil and keep seedbed moist. Germination takes 1 to 2 weeks. After seedlings are well established, thin or transplant 8 inches apart to allow plants room to mature.


TO START EARLY INDOORS

Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Keep warm and evenly moist, and provide a good light source. When seedlings are large enough to handle and weather is warm, acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before planting in the garden 8 inches apart.


GROWING NOTES

Remember—it is critical to plant basil in the garden only after late spring day and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Pinch off growing tips when plants are 6 to 8 inches tall to encourage branching. Harvest sprays of leaves by cutting stems just above two new sprouting lateral branches to get lush regrowth. Keep flower buds pinched off to extend harvesting and feed regularly to promote new growth.

Cold Winters

Mild Winters

Sun/Shade

Sow Seeds

Days To Germinate

Mature Height

May – June
April – July
Full sun
1 inch apart
1/4 inch deep
7 – 14 days
1 – 1 1/2 feet

Cold Winters

Mild Winters

Sun/Shade

Sow Seeds

Days To Germinate

Mature Height

May – June
April – July
Full sun
1 inch apart
1/4 inch deep
7 – 14 days
1 – 1 1/2 feet

Cold Winters

May – June

Mild Winters

April – July

Sun/Shade

Full sun

Sow Seeds

1 inch apart
1/4 inch deep

Days To Germinate

7 – 14 days

Mature Height

1 – 1 1/2 feet

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Photos From Our Trial Garden

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