Basil 'Genovese'
Genovese basil is an essential ingredient for Italian cuisine, especially for using in fresh pesto and aromatic 'insalata caprese'.
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Basil is a deliciously fragrant, quick growing herb that pairs perfectly with tomatoes, garlic and lemon.
It is an annual in most areas, so it will die down in winter. Be sure to pick all the leaves before it does and dry or freeze them into butter cubes to make the most of your harvest!
How to grow basil in a garden
- Choose a spot in your garden that is sunny, however basil will also do well in a partly shaded position.
- Sow seeds into well drained soil, enriched with Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed.
- Keep the soil moist and mulch with an organic mulch, such as pea or lucerne straw. Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Natural Fish Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate to promote lots of healthy green leaves.
- Water the base of the plant rather than the leaves to help prevent leaf diseases.
How to grow basil in a pot
- Choose a spot in your garden for your pot that is sunny however basil will also do well in a partly shaded position.
- Sow seeds into quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.
- Keep the soil moist and feed weekly with Yates Thrive Natural Fish Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate to promote lots of healthy green leaves.
- Water in the morning at the base of the plant rather than the leaves to help prevent leaf diseases.
Sweet Basil
Abundant bunches of lush green leaves with rich fragrance.
Thai Basil
Thai basil is an essential ingredient in Thai, Vietnamese, Lao and Cambodian cuisines. Add some anise-flavoured 'X-factor' to Thai curries.
Sweet Basil (Organic)
Abundant bunches of lush green leaves with rich fragrance.
Holy Basil 'Krishna Tulsi'
Aromatic Tulsi is tradionally used in India in herbal teas and as an Ayurvedic remedy. In Hindusim, Tulsi is revered as a holy plant.
Basil 'Gourmet mix'
An attractive culinary collection of Basil varieties including Thai Basil, Lemon Basil, Cinnamon Basil and Purple Basil.
Growing tips
- Pinch out the tips of plants to encourage a bushy habit and remove any flowers that start to form.
Harvest leaves regularly to encourage more foliage.
Feed regularly to promote an abundance of lush green leaves.
For maximum flavour, pick basil leaves in the morning after the dew dries, but before the day heats up.
More Plants
Tarragon
Tarragon is an essential herb to French cooking. It is very drought, cold tolerant & can be grown in pots or large tubs & can be harvested all year around.
Bay Tree
Bay Trees are versatile plants and easy to maintain. The aromatic leaves can be used for Italian dishes, stews and soups – yummy!
Thyme
Thyme makes an attractive ground cover & is perfect for flavouring stock, stuffing & sauces. Once it’s established, it won’t need much attention at all.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an attractive herb with needle-like leaves with lavender blue small flowers that are attractive to bees. Perfect to combine with lamb dishes.
Recommended products
Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed
A certified organic garden input boosted with NZ Seaweed to gently nourish plants, enrich the soil and encourage a strong healthy root system.
Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate
A complete plant food enriched with natural fish, seaweed, humates, molasses and more - boosted with NPK to improve plant and soil vitality.
Yates Premium Potting Mix
A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.
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