Greek Basil - 200 seeds AB - La ferme Sainte Marthe

Greek basil: a compact, fragrant variety | Growing and harvesting guide

Discover Greek Basil, a variety with a compact habit and fine foliage, perfect for growing in pots or in the ground. Learn how to sow, plant and harvest this aromatic, easy-to-grow basil.

A compact, fragrant variety

A very compact variety with extremely fine, fragrant foliage. Not very demanding, it can be grown both in pots and in the ground. Greek Basil grows into a very compact ball. Its foliage is extremely fine, aromatic and highly fragrant. Greek Basil is renowned for its ease of cultivation. It gives excellent results both in the ground and in pots and window boxes, and grows well indoors.

Successful basil sowing

Basil needs a constant minimum temperature of 20°C to germinate, so you'll need to sow it on a warm bed or in a heated greenhouse. Start your seedlings in early spring in pots. Choose a good, fine potting soil. Don't press the seeds in, but pack the potting soil into the cups or tray, then using your fingers, lightly brush the surface, place the seeds in it, sprinkle a little soil on top if necessary, then pack firmly. Water with a spray bottle until the seeds germinate. Be careful, too much moisture could melt your seedlings. Emergence takes 6 to 8 days on average. Place your terrine or greenhouse near a bright window.

Planting basil in the garden

Plant your basil seedlings in the garden after the last frosts in May, when they have reached the 3-4 leaf stage. Wait until June if you're north of the Loire. Plant your basil plants in well-drained, rich, sunny soil. You can add a little manure. Leave 50 cm between each plant. Do not over-water the foliage.

Harvesting basil

Leaves harvested in May and June just before flowering will have the most fragrance, although you can harvest them all year round as long as the plant has leaves. The more leaves you harvest from your plant, the more it will develop. To store your basil, chop the leaves and place them in ice cube trays filled with water. You can also store it in olive oil.

Basil: a tomato's ally

Planted between tomato plants, it will protect them from certain pests. All basil plants can be grown in pots, window boxes or balconies.

Further information

Packaging: 200-seed sachet
Type Reproducible seeds
Label: Agriculture biologique
Plant habit : Bushy
Soil: drained
Germination temperature: 20°C
Sowing depth: equal to the size of the seed.
Seed emergence: 10 days
Sowing technique: in 3-seed packets
Sowing container: in a bucket