Italian BasilThis popular Basil variety has the largest leaves of any of the Basil varieties. Its sweet, spicy flavor has many kitchen uses such as cooked, fresh, in sauces, in salads, and in cooked dishes. Plants grow large green leaves from 2 to 4" long Harvesting: Basil leaves can be harvested as soon as they reach a height of 6-8". The best time to harvest the leaves is in the morning after the dew dries. After the plant is established, harvesting often actually improves production; once the flowers develop, however, the leaves grow bitter to the taste. Seed Saving: After the flowers have finished blooming, seeds will begin to develop. Harvest the clusters of pods when they turn brown, and spread them out to dry in a protected location away from direct sunlight. Thresh the heads to remove the seed, and clean out as much of the chaff as possible. Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Notes:
Sweet BasilA popular and easy to grow annual that develops into an attractive bushy plant 1 1/2'-2' (46-60 cm) tall. Growing: Plant in well-drained soil. Avoid over-watering. Excellent pot-grown indoors. Harvest: Pick leaves when young, gather tops as flowers open. Uses: Aromatic leaves have a spice clover-like flavor when pulverized. Popular in tomato dishes, stews, soups, spaghetti, fish, poultry, and salads. Used in potpourri. Preserving: Freeze leaves (coat with olive oil first) or dry them. To dry, cut whole stems on a dry morning. Tie stems loosely together in small bunches and hang in a dry, airy location out of the sun. Basil may also be dried on a cheesecloth or a window screen in a dry, shady location. When thoroughly dry, store in a tightly sealed glass jar in a dry, dark location. Basil may be frozen dry on a cookie sheet and then sealed in zip lock bags, or it can be minced and frozen in an ice cube tray in water or olive oil. You can also preserve basil using sea salt. Place a layer of sea salt on the bottom of the container you will use. Place a leaf on top of the salt. Add a layer of salt to cover the leaf so the leaves do not touch each other. Make as many layers are you have room for and seal the container and place it in the refrigerator. Seed Saving: After the flowers have finished blooming, the seeds will begin to develop. Harvest the clusters of pods when they turn brown and spread them out to dry in a protected location away from direct sunlight. Thresh the heads to remove the seed, and clean out as much of the chaff as possible. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place. Tips:
Thai BasilGrowing: Plant in well-drained soil. Avoid over-watering. Excellent pot-grown indoors. Harvest: Pick leaves when young, gather tops as flowers open. Uses: This Thai Basil herb has a distinctive licorice scent and flavor, commonly used in Thai and Vietnamese cooking. Lovely purple stems and blossoms adorn this herb, which also does well in containers. It's happiest in full sun but will tolerate some filtered shade. Preserving: Freeze leaves (coat with olive oil first) or dry them. To dry, cut whole stems on a dry morning. Tie stems loosely together in small bunches and hang in a dry, airy location out of the sun. Basil may also be dried on a cheesecloth or a window screen in a dry, shady location. When thoroughly dry, store in a tightly sealed glass jar in a dry, dark location. Basil may be frozen dry on a cookie sheet and then sealed in zip lock bags, or it can be minced and frozen in an ice cube tray in water or olive oil. You can also preserve basil using sea salt. Place a layer of sea salt on the bottom of the container you will use. Place a leaf on top of the salt. Add a layer of salt to cover the leaf so the leaves do not touch each other. Make as many layers are you have room for and seal the container and place it in the refrigerator. Seed Saving: After the flowers have finished blooming, the seeds will begin to develop. Harvest the clusters of pods when they turn brown and spread them out to dry in a protected location away from direct sunlight. Thresh the heads to remove the seed, and clean out as much of the chaff as possible. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place. Tips:
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CategoriesFDL Seed Library
The FDL Seed Library is a collection of open-pollinated and heirloom seeds that you can borrow to plant and grow at home. By saving seeds as a community we help create local seed stocks that are better acclimated to our climate and which support an abundant and genetically diverse landscape.
We ask that seeds are “returned” by harvesting seeds from a plant or two that you grow. Donated seeds will help to add diversity to our collection. Archives
March 2022
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