Basil MORE COMING IN MID MARCH
- Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Mrs. Burns Lemon')
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Moderate
Height: 12-18 inches
Description: Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil is a fragrant annual herb with bright green leaves and a strong lemony scent. It is prized for its refreshing flavor in teas, salads, and seafood dishes. Easy to grow and attracts pollinators to the garden.
Planting Tips:
- Plant in well-drained, fertile soil.
- Space plants 8-12 inches apart.
- Pinch off flowers to promote leaf growth.
Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring to Early Summer
Nativity to Texas: No
- Red Rubin Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Red Rubin')
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Moderate
Height: 12-18 inches
Description: Red Rubin Basil is a colorful variety with deep purple-red leaves and a sweet, spicy flavor. It adds a striking contrast in herb gardens and is excellent for culinary use, including pestos and garnishes.
- Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon')
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Moderate
Height: 12-18 inches
Description: Cinnamon Basil is an annual herb with bright green leaves and a spicy, cinnamon-like aroma. It is popular in teas, desserts, and as a garnish. The flowers also attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Planting Tips:
- Plant in well-drained soil.
- Space plants 8-12 inches apart.
- Harvest leaves before flowering for best flavor.
Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring to Early Summer
Nativity to Texas: No
- Prospera Genovese Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Prospera Genovese')
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Moderate
Height: 18-24 inches
Description: Prospera Genovese Basil is a classic Italian variety with large, aromatic leaves and a sweet, mild flavor. It is ideal for making pesto, sauces, and fresh salads. This robust herb is a staple in herb gardens and culinary landscapes.
Planting Tips:
- Plant in well-drained soil with good air circulation.
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
- Pinch off flowers to promote leaf growth and prevent bolting.
Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring to Early Summer
Nativity to Texas: No
- Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora)
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Moderate
Height: 12-18 inches
Description: Thai Basil is an aromatic herb with green leaves and purple stems, featuring a unique spicy, licorice-like flavor. It is essential in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, including curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes.
Planting Tips:
- Plant in well-drained soil.
- Space plants 8-12 inches apart.
- Trim flowers to prolong leaf production.
Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring to Early Summer
Nativity to Texas: No
Holy Basil / Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Height: 18–30 inches
Harvest Time: Continuous harvest once established
Description:
Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is a highly aromatic basil variety revered for its medicinal, culinary, and spiritual uses. Unlike sweet basil, its flavor is clove-like, peppery, and slightly bitter. Plants are vigorous and heat-tolerant, producing green to purple-tinged leaves and small purple flower spikes that attract pollinators. Commonly used fresh or dried for teas, infusions, and herbal remedies.
Planting Tips:
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Plant in well-drained soil; tolerates poor soils better than culinary basil.
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Harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth and delay flowering.
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Pinch flower spikes unless saving seed or harvesting for tea.
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Performs well in containers and high heat.
Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring/Summer for Fall
Nativity to Texas: No
