Sweet basil is a small upright growing herb in the mint family.  It is a fragranced herb that can be picked any time of the year and tastes fantastic in a wide range of recipes.  Basil grows best in fertile, well-drained soil and needs to receive direct sunlight.

Basil is commonly used as an indoor or container plant that cannot tolerate cold weather.  When grown in humid conditions basil can be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, blight, and downy mildew.

• Young trees need to be protected from frost
• Tolerates temperatures as low as 10°C
• Estimated height: 40-60cm
• Estimated width: 70cm
• Planting distance: 30cm

Cultivars: Anise, Camphor, Cinnamon, Dani, Dark Opal, Genovese, Large leaf, Lemon, Mammoth, Purple ruffles and Sweet.

Pollen compatibility: Self-pollinating.

Water requirements: Water regularly.

Fun facts: Basil gives off a sweet to savoury flavour with hints of mint.  It contains eugenol which may help block off calcium channels aiding in lowering blood pressure.