Garden Seeds

There is nothing like the aroma of basil in the summer! Genovese has the traditional fragrance and flavor, making it excellent for almost any basil dish, especially pesto. One of the most useful herbs, it also has beautiful, edible flowers. In a warm, sunny window, basil can grow indoors in the winter! A good container variety. This packet sows up to 340 feet

There are dozens of ways to use lemon basil in the kitchen! It makes a great pesto or chiffonade to top fish or shrimp, adds an extra kick to flavored vinegars, is an excellent accompaniment to light pastas like capelli D'Angelo (angel hair) or farfalle (bow tie), and adds a tangy note to citrus or blueberry desserts. More compact than many other basil varieties, so it's perfect in small spaces. Can be grown indoors in a warm, south window! Recipe for basil herb oil inside packet. This packet sows up to 120 feet.

A mild, sweet taste that is perfect for those who love basil's flavor, but shy away from too much herbal spiciness. It's excellent in a variety of dishes, including pesto, pasta, and salads. 'Purple Petra' also makes a lovely pink-tinted vinegar or oil. Grow it as a companion plant for your tomatoes or in other areas of the garden as an ornamental. Try pairing it with 'Lemon Drop' French marigold or Bells of Ireland for vibrant contrast. This packet sows up to 120 feet.

Thai basil is a popular herb in Southeast Asian cuisine and is a flavorful garnish served with Vietnamese pho (a savory broth of noodles and meat). It holds its flavor and texture better after cooking than other basil varieties and adds a kick to salads when sliced and eaten fresh. Sweet Thai's dark purple flowers and intoxicating scent make it a beautiful addition to the flower garden. A terrific container variety.

Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum

Family: Laminaceae

Native: Probably Africa, but in cultivation for so long that it cannot be verified.

Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual

Plant Dimensions: 12"–24" tall and wide

Variety Information: Upright, multi-branched, and quite bushy plant with bright green, elliptical leaves, dark burgundy/purple flower heads, and an anise-clove scent. Thai basil is called Horapha in Thailand and Hung Que in Vietnam.

Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Attributes: Good for Containers