Russian Perennial Basil - Ocimum basilicum

The Russian Basil is a variety that has the advantage of being perennial or everlasting. It is an aromatic and culinary plant with large dark green leaves that give off a powerful aroma. It is hardy up to -5°C (23°F) and is preferably grown in a pot to be brought indoors in winter. Planting is done from April to June, after the last frost.

Basil has upright, branched stems with a square section, like most Lamiaceae. The majority of Basil varieties are herbaceous annual plants, originating from India, reaching between 30 and 50 cm (12 and 20in) in height. However, there are some perennial varieties, such as Kenyan Basil, which can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F).

Russian Basil forms a shrub that can reach 70 to 100 cm (28 to 39in) in height. Small, highly nectar-rich flowers appear in summer. The leaves can be used for infusions or to flavor dishes. Add it at the end of cooking to preserve its aroma. One small precision: the leaves give off a scent with peppery and camphor notes, quite different from that of annual Basil varieties.

Harvesting: It is done as needed, preferably in the morning.

Storage: Ideally, the fresh leaves should be consumed quickly to fully enjoy their aroma. For longer storage, it is possible to freeze or dry the Basil leaves, but they will lose some of their aroma.

The gardener's little trick: Cultivated in a pot, perennial Basil is very decorative and can be placed in multiple locations: in a veranda, in a greenhouse, on a balcony, on a terrace, in the garden, in the vegetable patch. However, remember to store the pot in winter.