Basil plants are one of the most widely used culinary herbs the main two types or varieties being Ocimum basilicum known as Sweet Basil or Italian Basil and
Ocimum obovatum or Greek Basil. Purple Basil Ocimum basilicum 'Purpureum' is readily available and Perennial Basil (Ocimum americanum) can also be found. From India we have 'Sacred Basil' or Ocimum tenuifolim. Other Basil herb species are also available. Nurseries, Mail Order Nurseries, Specialist Nurseries,Retail Nurseries, Wholesale Nurseries, Garden Centers, Plant Nurseries and Australian
Export Nurseries.
Basil Plants and varieties :: cinnamon basil, fino verde basil, genovese giant basil, greek (yiotis) lemon basil, lime basil, mammoth, napolitano, opal and purple ruffles
Growing Basil Plants
Basil grows late spring and summer. You can start seeds a little earlier in a cold frame or greenhouse. You can even grow basil in a greenhouse. A well drained humus rich soil is best, but remember to keep the water up.
Basil loves a humus or compost rich moist soil, it does not like to dry out. Plant once the risk of frost or cold spells is over. The WET POT watering system is ideal for basil as it provides the roots with the moisture it requires.
Basil loves a sunny spot however protection from the hot afternoon sun in hot periods is advisable, and remember it does not like to dry out. With over ten varieties available cinnamon, fino verde, genovese giant, greek (yiotis) lemon, lime, mammoth, napolitano. opal and purple ruffles all have their special uses. We use fino verde or napolitano for making pesto. (see recipe below). Pick basil regularly to prevent flowering.
Basil is best when continuously picked as this helps prevent flowering and will increase yield.
Grow basil as a companian plant for tomatoes, the tomato plant will provide a little shade.
Basil Plant
BASIL SUPPLIERS
FOUR SEASONS HERBS
PO Box 110 Exeter Tasmania 7275
phone: 0412721268
We stock a large range of Culinary and Medicinal Herbs and Gourmet Vegetables. We carry an extensive range of both potted and seed varieties for you to grow. Including Heritage varieties which are Non-Hybrid, Open Pollinated, Non GMO and Chemical Free. In most cases, the plants are grown from organic seed (sourced by The Lost Seed) WEB SITE www.fourseasonsherbs.com.au
Basil Pesto Recipe.
Pesto Ingredients
3 - 6 cloves of garlic (we roast our garlic in oil first to give a sweet nutty flavor)
100g pine nuts (for variety try macadamia nuts)
50g of freshly grated parmesan cheese
100g basil leaves cleaned (with stems removed)
100ml Olive oil
Majoram leaves (tsp)
Freshly ground black pepper (tsp)
Pesto Making Procedure
Blend all of the dry ingredients in a food processor adding olive oil until you get a creamy mixture.
Cook pasta (fettuccine) in a large pot of boiling water until tender. Drain well
Add Pesto and 'hey presto' a magic meal.
We use fettuccine, and stir the pesto mixture through the fettucine (sometimes tagliatelle) until the strands are coated and then serve. Finely diced tomato makes a great addition as does avocado and maybe some extra freshly ground black pepper.
Basil Plants for : Sydney (New South Wales - NSW), Brisbane (Queensland - QLD), Melbourne Victoria VIC), Adelaide (South Australia - SA), Perth (Western Australia - WA), Hobart (Tasmania - TAS), Darwin (Northern Territory - NT) and Canberra (ACT)
