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Basil Sweet
Basil Sweet

Basil Sweet

SKU: PL92445
approx 650 seeds
£0.49 £0.37
In stock (despatch in 2-3 working days)
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Overview

Basil "Sweet" Seeds | Mr Fothergill's

Our ocimum basilicum Basil "Sweet" seeds produce the best-known basil herb that's used in a huge range of Mediterranean dishes. This popular basil plant is a half-hardy annual with sweet leaves that are larger than than bush basil. This classic herb is widely used in the kitchen and tastes particularly good with tomato. It can be grown in pots on the patio or windowsill, which is perfect for those without a garden.

Variety Information

No. Seeds Per Pack 650
Sow Indoors January - December
Sow Outdoors January - December
Location Full Sun
Harvest Time January - December
Hardiness Half-Hardy Annual

Features

Great Taste Versatile Easy To Grow Buying Guide Planting Requirements Planting Guide Planting Essentials

Basil is easy to grow. Below we address some common queries:

  • Hardiness: this species is half-hardy and must be kept indoors during frost.
  • Planting In Pots: well-suited to growing in containers.
  • Position: sow indoors, ideally on a light windowsill, with plenty of access to sunlight.
  • Soil Types: sow in warm, well-drained, compost-filled soil for best results.

Germination Requirements: Sow indoors, water well, and place in a warm position.

Planting Distance (Seed Tray): Sow 0.5cm (1/4in) deep.

Planting Distance (Ground): Sow 0.5cm (1/4in deep) 20cm (8in) apart.

Soil Preparation: Remove any stones from the soil and dig in plenty of organic matter.

Thinning: Wait till seedlings have two sets of leaves before thinning.

Pest Control: Deter slugs by making sure the soil is not too wet. Remove pests by using organic sprays, traps, or screen mesh.

Watering Requirements: Water regularly and consistently.

For a more detailed guide please read our blog below.

Click Here To Read More

Seeds Jargon

  • F1 Hybrids: hybrid seeds are produced from two specially selected varieties that are kept in isolation. As they are produced from only two plants, seeds are almost identical genetically.
  • Open Pollinated: open pollinated plants aren't isolated from other varieties, so are more genetically diverse.
  • Heirloom: heirloom seeds are historic, some going back to Victorian times, others more recent. Heirloom varieties can be good or bad, depending on how careful the breeder is to maintain genetic similarity.
Hybrids vs Open Pollinated

As hybrids are produced from two specially selected varieties, the quality is more consistent, with a higher germination rate and improved cropping. But, as they require time, resources and know-how to create, they come to the market at a higher cost. They are also genetically unstable, and so if you keep the seeds from the resultant crop, performance is usually poor. Open Pollinated seeds are highly diverse and have often been grown for successfully for decades. Seeds from the resultant crop are usually perform well.

Annual, Biennial and Perennial

Annual plants complete their life cycle within a year, biennials in two years (usually only flowering in the second year) and perennials can live on indefinitely.

Hardy, Half-Hardy and Tender

Hardy and half-hardy plants can survive a light frost, but the latter are best moved indoors during periods of bad weather. Tender plants must be kept indoors, until after the last frost.

We believe that anyone, regardless of ability can successfully grow their own plants at home, and do so in an eco-friendly and sustainable way.

Everyone should have the chance to experience the benefits that plants bring to our lives, and we have put a lot of effort into making sure that all of our products are easy to grow, even for beginners.

Sustainability is at the heart of our ethos and we have done everything we can to ensure that all of our products are as sustainable as possible, be it our plastic free, fully recyclable packaging, GM free seeds or ethically sourced compost.

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Care guide

When Your Plants Arrive"

  • Unpack your plants: Preferably straight after they arrive, you should carefully unpack your plants. They may appear slightly tired after their journey, however they will soon perk up again.
  • Identify each plant: Each type of plant (but not each individual plant) will be clearly labelled. Lay them out into their respective plant types (such as wild rocket, cauliflower, or peas).
  • Provide a drink: The roots of your plants may be dry, so provide all of them with a nourishing drink of water. Ensuring that the roots are stood upright, submerge the roots of each plant for a few minutes in a container of clean water.
Planting Your Vegetables or Herbs"

  • Their position: For the best results, plant your vegetables in a site that receives full sun.
  • Soil types: You should always avoid waterlogged soils. This is because they can lead to root rot and compacted surroundings, which will hinder your vegetables' growth.
  • Planting distance: Plant your plugs between 15 - 20cm apart, and keep their stems level with the soil. Each row is best spaced 15 - 30cm away from one another.
  • Watering requirements: Water when planting, and also during periods of drought.
  • Hardiness: Our trusted nursery staff will attentively care for your vegetables, and only deliver them when it is warm enough for them to be planted in your garden.

How your order will arrive

About your plants

Based in the heart of England, our trusted nursery will sow and grow thousands of organic vegetables and herbs each year. When each plant reaches the optimum time to be planted in your garden, we will dispatch it directly to your home. Plant Theory vegetables are entirely organic, and are importantly grown in soil that has been tested by the Soil Association, on an English farm that treats quality and sustainability as of utmost importance.

Packaging

Each plant is grown and stored in plastic-free materials, and for this we are very proud. These include the biodegradable fibre pots that each vegetable is grown in (which can be placed straight in the ground). When ready, they will be carefully wrapped up in specially-designed and sustainably-sourced cardboard packaging. We additionally use moisture-resistant wax paper to keep every plant safe, and subsequently fill each box with straw for added padding. All packaging will be extensively trialled to ensure that your plants arrive safely, but we will still utilise a delicate-parcels courier just to be certain.

About Primrose

About Primrose

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We were created in 2003 to become the UK's largest online-only garden centre. Thousands of plants, planters, awnings, garden furniture sets, water features and more line our digital shelves, and we're ready to fill your garden with comfort, quality, colour and style.

If you'd like to find out more, check out our 'About Us' page.

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