Keep Calm and Basil On…
Even though it is still early and not much is happening yet in the garden, I am busy seeding and transplanting in the greenhouse. Although we have many different culinary herbs, basil is one of the most popular potted herbs we offer (and one of my favorites!). We grow a variety of basil on our farm and enjoy the different sights, smells, and tastes of each unique cultivar. There are basil varieties that are considered mostly ornamental, although they are edible and quite tasty, including Persian, Cardinal and Aromatto.
We have grown ornamental basils for years and have found so many different uses for them. Basil is known to deter flies, aphids and purple varieties can also protect tomato plants from grasshoppers. Since ornamental basils typically bloom earlier than other varieties, they help attract pollinators to the garden and can make a wonderful addition to a cut flower arrangement. Traditional culinary varieties include Sweet, Amethyst, Cinnamon, and Lemon which can add unique flavor to many dishes. For example, Cinnamon basil, also called Mexican Basil, is most commonly used in fruit salads and desserts and Amethyst basil, a Genovese type, makes a unique and delicious addition to tossed salad. While Thai basil, like most herbs, has medicinal properties, Tulsi (or Holy Basil), is the cultivar traditionally used in tea and medicinal applications. Tulsi can be used to help fight infections, reduce stress, and encourage digestion. Tulsi grows as an annual in our climate and true seeds can be difficult to find. (See below for a resource to medicinal herb seeds.) Basil is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and can be a great addition to topical applications to fight against fungal issues such as diaper rash and chaffing. This is why you can find basil included in some of our products including our Basil Calendula Salve.
Most basil plants enjoy full sun but can tolerate some shade, especially in the intense heat of the summer. Keep your basil trimmed for continued use throughout the summer. The best way to prune basil is to trim the stem just above a set of “twin” leaves. This encourages branching and will greatly increase your yield. Overall basil is an incredibly versatile, tasty, and easy to grow herb that is a great selection for beginning gardeners to experienced herbalists.
Keep Calm and Basil On,
Jessica
*This year we will be offering several basil varieties (potted plants) including: sweet basil, amethyst basil, lemon basil, sweet thai basil, and persian basil.
Organic Herb Seed Resource: