Herb Basil - Siam Queen
A particularly fragrant selection and a distinct improvement over other Thai Basils. Basil 'Siam Queen' has an extra large leaf with an intense liquorice fragrance. The bright green basil leaves make an attractive foil for its purple-red stems which bear violet-pink flowers. Superb as a container plant on the patio or you could try growing basil on the kitchen windowsill and in convenient containers outside the back door.
Height: 45cm (18"). Spread: 30cm (12").
A particularly fragrant selection and a distinct improvement over other Thai Basils. Basil 'Siam Queen' has an extra large leaf with an intense liquorice fragrance. The bright green basil leaves make an attractive foil for its purple-red stems which bear violet-pink flowers. Superb as a container plant on the patio or you could try growing basil on the kitchen windowsill and in convenient containers outside the back door.
Height: 45cm (18"). Spread: 30cm (12").
A particularly fragrant selection and a distinct improvement over other Thai Basils. Basil 'Siam Queen' has an extra large leaf with an intense liquorice fragrance. The bright green basil leaves make an attractive foil for its purple-red stems which bear violet-pink flowers. Superb as a container plant on the patio or you could try growing basil on the kitchen windowsill and in convenient containers outside the back door.
Height: 45cm (18"). Spread: 30cm (12").
Sow basil seed from February to June, or sow throughout the year for indoor cultivation out of season. Sow seed on the surface of free draining seed compost and cover with a light sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at a temperature of 15-25C (59-77F) or seal the container inside a polythene bag until after germination, which takes 14-21 days. Keep the compost slightly dry at all times, watering very lightly as seedlings emerge. When they are large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow basil plants on in cooler conditions.
When all risk of frost has passed, harden basil plants off before planting out in a sheltered sunny position in well drained, fertile sandy soil; or potting into patio containers, window boxes, or windowsill pots indoors. Water moderately taking care to avoid splashing the leaves. Harvest basil leaves regularly when required to promote fresh new growth and pinch out any flowers that appear to prolong the harvest period. Culinary note: Basil can be dried or frozen for using later on, or added to oils and vinegars for extra flavour.
