Bush basil (Ocimum basilicum var. minimum) is also known as Greek bush basil, although it probably originates from Chile. The plants grow 30 cm tall and form branched, densely leaved semi-shrubs. Bush basil leaves are tiny, grow maximum 1 cm long, are bright green and exude pleasant, citrus aroma that gets stronger after watering. Basil is a valued seasoning and medicinal herb. It enriches taste and aroma of the dishes and tastes great in salads, sauces, casseroles, pastas and pizza. It can be used in the kitchen both fresh and dried. Basil leaves can also be frozen in ice cubes or used for fragrancing vinegar, oil, olive oil or butter.

Basil contains vitamins K, C and A, as well as iron, kalium, manganese, magnesium and calcium. It helps curing indigestion and stimulates appetite. Infusion from basil leaves soothes stress, shows anti-depressive, comforting effects and eliminates the feeling of fatigue. It also helps to heal colds with its anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic powers. Basil also contains anti-cancer agents.

You should grow bush basil on sunny and wind-sheltered sites. It thrives planted in groupings of its own kind, or other basil cultivars. The soil should be permeable, fertile, humous and slightly acidic. You may grow bush basil from direct sow to the field or from seedlings.

Sow the seeds onto the field in April in 25 x 30 cm spacings. If you wish to produce seedlings, sow the seeds to a hotbed end of March. Thin the seedlings when they would have developed 2 - 3 true leaves. Transfer young basil plants to the permanent site in the second half of May. You will harvest leaves from June to August. Bush basil is also perfectly fitted for cultivation on a windowsill.

Package contains 0.5 g of bush basil seeds, as well as the sow-by date and a growing guide.

• Weight: 0.5 g
• Height: 30 cm
• Use: fresh or dried as seasoning
• Harvest time: June - August
• Growth form: branched semi-shrubs
• Flower type: tiny, bright green
• Site: sunny, wind-sheltered; permeable, fertile, humous and slightly acidic soil