Blue spice basil is considered one of the most fragrant basil. It is an early blooming variety with dark purple and green small to medium-sized fuzzy leaves and aromatic lavender flowers. The plant is quite compact. Its taste is similar to a mix between liquorice, vanilla, and clove with a little bit of citrus. The blue spice basil leaves can be used pretty much like any other basil and also in tea, savory and sweet preparations. To remove the fuzzy hair on the leaves, just rub the leaf under running water. A fabulous plant for any pollinator-loving garden.
Scientific Name: americanum x basilicum
Plant Life Cycle: annual
Optimal Germination Temperature: 20-28C
Germination time in days: 7-14 days
Indicative Days to maturity: 30-50 days
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil requirement: Well drained, aerated, fertile soil
Sowing and cultivation: Start seeds indoors from late April to mid-summer. Sow a few seeds over the top of regular compost, water gently, lightly cover and pop it into a propagator. When the seeds have germinated, place in a warm, bright spot, such as a sunny windowsill, and water regularly to keep the compost moist. When the seedlings are large enough to handle and have their first true leaves, transplant into their own 7.5cm pot filled with multi-purpose compost. Shelter from the wind. Will grow better in a greenhouse. Space plants by 30 cm apart
