Vigorous plant with dense spikes of light purple flowers enclosed in showy deep purple bracts, making for an especially fine appearance in pots or in the garden. Heavy fragrance with spicy vanilla overtones that makes a pleasant contribution to both fruit salads and savory dishes.

• Days to Maturity - 70
• Height - 20-24"
• Spacing - 8"
• Exposure - Sun
• Zone - Annual

Remarks - Moderately rich, moist soil. Basil is not drought tolerant and can be damaged by heat stress. Regular moisture throughout the growing season helps to ensure a good crop.  Begin light harvesting after plants have become established. It is best done in the early morning when the temperature is cooler and the leaves are less likely to wilt. A full harvest should be completed just before the plants start to flower. Cut the entire plant 4-6" above the ground to promote a second growth. Leaves are easily bruised when picking, so handle carefully.

Ocimum americanum