Basil 'Red Basil' - Ocimum basilicum

'Red Basil' has a well-branched, loose growth habit. Its smaller, vibrant red leaves have a typical, aromatic basil flavor. Its pretty purple flowers should be removed to encourage continued leaf growth. If a few plants are left unharvested, they will bloom for several months, attracting butterflies, bees, and other insects. 'Red Basil' remains productive and healthy until late autumn and makes a beautiful addition to the garden and on the plate.

Our high-quality organic herb seeds are grown according to the strictest organic standards for a sustainable and healthy harvest.

Details:

Sowing indoors/greenhouse: mid-March to early May
Planting outdoors: mid-May to June
Germination time: 10-20 days at 20-25°C
Sowing depth: 0.3-0.5 cm, light germinator

Height: approx. 30 cm
Planting distance: 25 x 25 cm
Harvest time: June to mid-September

Soil: loose, humus-rich, permeable
Fertilization: Organic fertilizer
Location: Sun
Water consumption: high, regular

Growing tips:

Basil has quite fine seeds, which can be sown in seed trays starting in March and kept at a temperature of around 20°C. During the germination phase and in the first few weeks after germination, the soil should be watered only moderately to prevent fungal infections. Covering the seed trays with cling film ensures ideal growing conditions.

If basil is planted outdoors, it should be in humus-rich soil, so it should be well-enriched with compost beforehand. Liquid fertilizers or the addition of organic fertilizers are also possible. Regular fertilization with organic fertilizer is also recommended during the growing period. If basil is kept in pots, weekly liquid fertilization is recommended. The soil should never dry out, so it should be watered daily in good weather.

When harvesting, ideally, an entire shoot should be cut after the paired leaves. This creates a strong, bushy plant and reduces stress. After harvesting, new shoots grow back quite quickly, so the next harvest is not long in coming.

A mixed culture with tomatoes or cucumbers, preferably together in one pot, is very beneficial for the basil and should help ward off the whitefly.

Mixed culture:

Good neighbors: marigold, fennel, oregano, parsley, rosemary, or coriander
Bad neighbors: savory, marjoram, lemon balm, mint, sage, thyme

Use:

The lime flavor goes well with tomato dishes, herbal teas, fruit salads and jams, as well as in Asian dishes.

Bag contents:

Contents: approx. 1000 grains
Store in a cool, dry place.