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Ocymum Basilium is a native of the East Indies, and is highly aromatic, having a perfume greatly resembling that of cloves. It is not much employed in English cookery, but is a favourite with French cooks, by whom its leaves are used in soups and salads.

Description: Annual. 2'. Small bush with 1 1/2" smooth, bright green oval leaves and small white flowers. Comes into full beauty in late summer.

Culture: Sow seed directly in garden in well-drained, rich soil, or start early in flats and transplant when ground is warm. Germinates in 4-5 days. Transplant while in bloom. Pinch flower buds for branching. Pot before frost. Slips root in water.

Preservation: Freeze by laying leaves flat between sheets of wax paper. Store in airtight container, or you can tie stalks into brown bags.

Uses:
  • Culinary: Tomato dishes, soup, omelet, salad.
  • Medicinal: Anti-gas
  • Repellent: Said to discourage mosquitoes and flies.
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