HERB HOLY BASIL OCIMUM SANCTUM
A Basil native to India, Holy Basil has highly aromatic narrow opal leaves and pink flowers with perfumed fragrance. The plant has a reddish-Purple tinge which intensifies with heat and exposure to full sun. This does need full sun and warmth to thrive. Highly regarded in India both for its medicinal properties (anything from sinus problems to fungal skin infections) and culinary uses. 50-70cm. Although a perennial it is unlikely it will over-winter in most areas of the UK. It will need to be brought under-cover or sown annually.
Cultivation Advice HERB HOLY BASIL OCIMUM SANCTUM
- 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.
