Packet - BASIL CORSICAN, regular seed - not treated and not gmo, heirloom

BASIL CORSICAN, regular seed - not treated and not gmo, heirloom


Out of stock
A Heirloom variety from the Mediterranean coast producing dome shaped plants with a unique mottled green and purple leaf colouring and mildly sweet flavour. Plant grows to about 18" tall. In mid-summer tall purple flowery spikes are produced which make this an attractive addition to an ornamental bed. Flowers are best pinched out if you wish to retain the plant shape and ensure productive leaf production all season.
  • Sow April in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost in a warm place to maintain an ideal temperature of 55-60F.  Sow in well-drained compost, just covering the seed with compost, but do not exclude light, which is beneficial to germination.  Germination usually takes 14-30 days.

  • Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle.

  • Harden off and plant out 30cm (12in) apart when all risk of frost has passed.

  • Prefers a well-drained soil and a sheltered sunny site. Can also be grown on a sunny windowsill.  
     

    Growing basil is relatively easy, and it can be done both indoors and outdoors. Here's a basic guide on how to grow basil:

    1. Choose the Right Basil Variety:

  • There are various basil varieties with different flavors, including sweet basil, Genovese basil, Thai basil, and cinnamon basil. Choose a variety that suits your taste and culinary preferences.

  • 2. Starting from Seeds:

  • Start basil from seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Use a seed-starting mix and plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep.

  • 3. Soil and Container:

  • Basil prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0). If planting in containers, use a good-quality potting mix.

  • 4. Location:

  • Basil loves sunlight. Plant it in a location where it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, place the pots near a sunny window.

  • 5. Watering:

  • Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the basil when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Be mindful not to let the soil dry out completely.

  • 6. Temperature:

  • Basil prefers warm temperatures. It is sensitive to cold, so wait until the danger of frost has passed before transplanting outdoors. Ideal temperature range for basil is around 70-90°F (21-32°C).

  • 7. Fertilizing:

  • Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks or according to package instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth with reduced flavor.

  • 8. Pruning:

  • Pinch or prune the basil regularly to encourage bushier growth. Pinch off the top set of leaves when the plant is about 6 inches tall. This will encourage lateral growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.

  • 9. Harvesting:

  • Harvest basil leaves once the plant has reached a sufficient size. Pinch off the leaves, starting from the top, or use scissors. Regular harvesting promotes more growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and spider mites. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used for control. Basil is generally resistant to most diseases.

  • 10. Pests and Diseases:



Packet 50 seeds