Latin name: Ocimum basilicum . - asea aranion - athelas

Description :
Annual-Grows about 18 inches-There are many varieties, and they all can be grown by seed. Sow seed right into pot. Better not to use flats, or plugs for they have a very long tap root. They don't like wet feet. Plant outside after frost. She loves hot weather. Also Basil is good for container planting. Just do not over water. Do not let flower if you use for cooking.

Plant between tomatoes as it repels flying insects.

Basil is held in reverence as a plant filled with divine essence, and that is why the Indians chose this herb to swear their oaths in court upon.

They say Basil was found growing around Christ's tomb after the resurrection, so some Greek Orthodox churches use it to prepare the holy water, and pots of basil are set on the altars of the church. Sow seeds in early spring in flats or sow directly into the ground after all danger of frost. Keep pinching out young plants in the summer to promote new leaf growth and to prevent flowering. Harvest the leaves. Collect seeds of plants that are allowed to flower in the Autumn before the frost frost. Pots may be brought into the house and set on a windowsill.

Pick leaves when young and always from the top to encourage new growth. If drying, do it as fast as you can. Basil leaves are some of the more difficult to dry successfully and I do not recommend it. The best way is to infuse the leaves in olive oil or vinegar.

Basil is not used much today in herbal medicines, however, leaves added to food are an aid to digestion. It also can be used as a refreshing bath vinegar, which also acts as an antiseptic.