basil 'Italiano'

basil

• Position: full sun
• Soil: humus-rich, moisture retentive soil
  
  An Italian classic! The bright green leaves of this popular herb have a deliciously strong flavor that can be used to enhance a wide range of dishes.Ideal for making pesto sauce, and is renowned for producing a large crop. It also tastes sublime with tomatoes.
  
  
• Growing Instructions: Sow seeds into pots of free-draining seed compost on a warm, sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse from late spring. Protect seedlings from slugs and cold and keep well-watered as they grow. Plant out into the herb garden or into roomy pots or troughs from early summer, after all threat of frost has passed, allowing 15-20cm between plants. Pick plants over regularly and remove any developing flowerheads immediately to prevent bolting (running to seed) and to encourage lots of fresh young leaves.
  
  
• Sow: April-June
  
  
• Harvest: July onwards
  
  
• Approximate quantity: 500