Two Fabulous Varieties of Perennial Basil
Posted: Wednesday, February 10, 2010
by Lisa Summerfield
http://herbgardensolutions.com
Basil is known to be an annual herb, but some varieties like African Blue and Thai are termed perennial basil because they keep producing new leaves year after year. Both species are raised in tropical areas where the climate is warm and humid.
Warm, tropical zones can enjoy fresh perennial basil like African Blue and Thai all year round while areas with colder climates present some challenges when it comes to raising perennial basil, but it is not impossible if you keep it sheltered throughout the winter.
Simply snip off some tips, no more than 5cm long. It is important to strip away most of the leaves leaving only the top 2 or 3. Once the cut ends have been dipped into some rooting hormone these cuttings are simply pushed into some good quality potting mix in a container. I prefer to dip my basil cuttings in honey: it is not a root promoting agent but it is a fungicide.
African Blue is a great landscape plant and a must have in any herb garden for its color and fragrance. It produces attractive purple blushed flower spikes and makes an eye-catching display. You can also cut some African Blue basil for herb bouquets and for garnish at the table.
Another variety of perennial basil is Thai basil, also known as Thai holy basil. It is an important ingredient of many Asian cuisines and has a more assertive flavor than the common sweet basil; its spicy aroma is a cross between
cinnamon and aniseed and that is why it is sometimes referred to as "anise basil" or "licorice basil". This type of perennial basil grows into a vigorous bushy plants with pretty reddish purple buds and produces seeds that can be sown in spring for propagation.
Thai basil will grow to a height of two to three feet and after four full leaves appear, one can begin harvesting by pinching the leaves. Harvesting frequently and removing flowers gives the plant better growth as well as ensuring that the leaves will retain their fragrance and full flavor.
By providing the right conditions perennial basil will add beauty to your garden and delight your palate all year round.
Lisa Summerfield is an herb garden lover and author of \"Secrets To A Successful Home Herb Garden\" - compulsory reading for anyone considering to grow a thriving herb garden. Her website contains valuable information on using and growing perennil basil... Even if you have never grown a garden before! For a FREE 10 part mini-course on \"The Secrets To Growing Delicious Herbs at Home!\" go to http://herbgardensolutions.com
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Top-level comments on this article: (9 total)Thanks Lisa, I've never tried African Basil before...because I always thought it would be too difficult.
Thanks for sharing this with other members on the board. I have never tried it because I always think it would be difficult...
Great article Lisa.I love Basil and I am glad you wrote this piece and you shared your knowledge about this fragrant-aromatic herb.All the best to you and yours,Nenita
Thanks, Lisa - going to have to pass on this suggestion because of basil allergies but the article was well written and I suspect will be helpful to many.
Now that's a ton load of info on the humble basil !
Thank you so much for the great tips! I always find growing herbs in the kitchen adds a homeyness that brings back memories of days gone by. Thanks Lisa!
Dipping the cuttings in honey! That is a wonderful tip. One reason I have hesitated growing herbs is disease. Pests are another - what do you use on the plants to keep them bug-free?
Good article. Very informative. Keep writing more articles. I would read them definitely. Good Work Lisa.
Although this subject is not my passion, it was very well written, with loads of tips and advice and I think of value to anyone looking for more information about herbs. I did learn from it, so good article all round.
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