ITALIAN BASIL – VIOLETTO PICTORIAL PACKET

Description

ITALIAN BASIL – VIOLETTO PICTORIAL PACKET

Large, glossy, dark purple-bronze leaves make this herb very ornamental as well as flavourful. Excellent contrast with green basil, spectacular as a garnish, in salads, or for adding to basil vinegars. Attractive also in the border for yellow or gold flowers. Annual.This seed is supplied in premium pictorial packets direct from Italy.

Cultivation Advice for ITALIAN BASIL – VIOLETTO PICTORIAL PACKET

• Plant Italian Basil – Violetto after the last frost date in spring when the soil has warmed up. It thrives in warm weather and requires at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
• Choose a location with well-draining soil and ample sunlight. Basil prefers a warm and sheltered spot.
• Italian Basil – Violetto grows best in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0). Incorporate organic matter like compost into the soil before planting for improved fertility.
• Ensure the soil is loose and friable for healthy root development.
• Sow Italian Basil – Violetto seeds directly into the garden bed or start them indoors in seed trays. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep in the soil or follow packet instructions.
• Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost or space them approximately 8-12 inches apart.
• Italian Basil – Violetto loves full sun and requires adequate sunlight for optimal growth. Ensure it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
• Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Basil prefers even moisture and does not tolerate standing water.
• Thin seedlings to maintain appropriate spacing, ensuring mature plants have enough room to grow without crowding.
• Basil is a light feeder. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time and again during the growing season to provide essential nutrients.
• Apply mulch around Italian Basil – Violetto plants to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weed growth.
• Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
• Pinch or prune the tops of basil stems regularly to encourage bushier growth. This also delays flowering and prolongs leaf production.
• Harvest basil leaves by snipping them from the plant as needed. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy.
• Italian Basil – Violetto leaves are ideal for culinary purposes. Use them fresh or dried in salads, pasta, sauces, pesto, and as a garnish for their unique flavor and vibrant color.

By following these steps and caring for your Italian Basil – Violetto plants with proper sunlight, well-draining soil, and occasional pruning, you can enjoy a continuous supply of aromatic purple basil leaves for various culinary delights. Adapt these guidelines based on your specific climate and gardening conditions for the best results.