(Ocimum Basilicum)
Licorice Basil is a delicious variety and one of our personal favorites! These beautiful plants produce vibrant green leaves with purple hues and flowers! It has a sweet and earthy flavor profile with a delicate licorice flavor that compliments so many cuisines and dishes. Basil attracts tons of pollinators and beneficial insects, deters pests, and smells fantastic! Licorice Basil definitely deserves a place in your garden!

Sowing: Since basil thrives in warm weather, it grows best when the soil has warmed and there is no chance of frost. Gardeners with short growing seasons may want to start their licorice basil seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date, sowing them thinly in flats and providing heat to speed germination. Transplant 15-18″ apart. To direct sow, plant the licorice basil seeds 1/4″ deep in rich soil and full sun, thinning to 15-18″ apart when the seedlings develop. Basil also grows well indoors or as a container plant.

Growing: Basil thrives in soil that drains well, yet needs water often. If the weather drops below 50 degrees, provide protection. As the plant grows, pruning it helps it to develop into a bushy, healthy plant; pruning is also important because once the plant flowers, it will begin to wilt and die. To prune the plant, remove the top several sets of leaves on each stem, taking care to leave at least three sets of leaves on the lower part.