HELP ME GROW
There’s much more to basil than the familiar large-leaved type. We’ve picked a few varieties for different uses, whether you want classic Italian basil, something compact for pots, a basil for Asian cooking or simply a different flavour to try.
Classic Variety
The classic basil most of us recognise, with large, aromatic green leaves and that familiar sweet basil flavour. A great all-round choice for pesto, pasta, salads and growing alongside tomatoes.
Best for Pots & Smaller Spaces
A compact, bushy basil covered with small aromatic leaves and plenty of flavour. A great choice for pots, containers and sunny windowsills when you don't have room for the larger Genovese types.
Best for Asian Cooking
A distinctive basil with aromatic green leaves, purple stems and a sweet aniseed-like flavour. A great choice for Thai and other Asian dishes when you want something different from traditional sweet basil.
Best for Something Different
A wonderfully aromatic basil with a fresh citrus scent and distinctive lemony flavour. A great choice for salads, seafood and summer dishes when you fancy something a little different from traditional basil.
These are our recommended places to start, but you can still explore the complete Basil Seed range.
Browse all Basil SeedGROW WITH CONFIDENCE
Basil is easy to grow from seed as long as you give it plenty of warmth. Start seeds indoors in spring, keep young plants somewhere bright and pinch out the growing tips as they develop. Grow in pots, a greenhouse or a warm sheltered spot outside and keep picking for fresh leaves through summer. Your existing Basil advice likewise emphasises warmth, pots/windowsills and pinching the growing tips.
Sow from February or March through to June, covering the seeds lightly with fine compost or vermiculite. Keep somewhere warm and bright and keep the compost moist while the seeds germinate.
Give seedlings plenty of light and move them into larger pots as they grow. Pinch out the growing tips above a pair of leaves to encourage bushier plants with plenty of fresh shoots.
Harvest the tips regularly once plants are established, cutting just above a pair of leaves. Keep plants watered during warm weather and remove flower buds if you want them to concentrate on producing fresh leaves.
Carefully selected for reliable results
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Practical Advice from Experienced Growers.
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