{"product_id":"600-sweet-basil-seeds-ocimum-basilicum-culinary-herb-for-cooking-gardening","title":"600 Sweet Basil Seeds – Ocimum basilicum Culinary Herb for Cooking \u0026 Gardening","description":"\u003cp\u003eSweet basil (\u003cem\u003eOcimum basilicum\u003c\/em\u003e) is a classic culinary herb prized for its fragrant, tender leaves and versatile use in the kitchen. This warm-season annual is easy to grow from seed and thrives in garden beds, containers, and herb gardens. Its compact habit and vigorous growth make it a favorite for both beginner and experienced gardeners.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSweet basil adds a fresh, aromatic touch to pesto, salads, sauces, and many Mediterranean dishes. The plants also attract beneficial pollinators when allowed to flower, making them a useful addition to vegetable and herb gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFragrant, bright green leaves with a sweet, slightly peppery flavor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact, bushy growth habit suitable for beds, borders, and containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy to grow from seed and quick to establish in warm weather\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttracts bees and other pollinators when in bloom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVersatile culinary herb for fresh and dried use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOcimum basilicum\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annual herb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun (6–8 hours daily)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained, fertile soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bushy, upright\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–11 (grown as annual)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Season:\u003c\/strong\u003e Summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12–24 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGermination Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds ¼ inch deep at 65–70°F; keep moist until germination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 inches apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow sweet basil seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost, or directly outdoors after the soil has warmed. Lightly cover seeds with soil and keep evenly moist. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin or transplant to 8–12 inches apart. Provide full sun and regular watering, avoiding overhead watering to reduce leaf disease. Pinch back flower buds to encourage bushy leaf growth and extend the harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor continuous supply, succession sow every 3–4 weeks. Harvest leaves as needed, starting from the top of the plant. Sweet basil grows well in containers and can be brought indoors before the first frost for extended use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e600 Sweet Basil seeds (\u003cem\u003eOcimum basilicum\u003c\/em\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67824724738358,"sku":"FOLIA2-1096","price":13.96,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.6521283846_bskj.jpg?v=1793004334","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/600-sweet-basil-seeds-ocimum-basilicum-culinary-herb-for-cooking-gardening","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}