Basil Aton - Ocimum basilicum

The Aton Basil is a 40 cm (16in) tall herbaceous condiment plant. It is a variety with large leaves, productive, with a compact habit: ideal for pots. It is cultivated for its oval leaves with a powerful and penetrating fragrance that are consumed raw, finely chopped on salads. Sowing period from March to April for a harvest 3 months later.

Originally from tropical regions of Asia and Africa, Basil forms a plant that reaches, depending on the varieties, between 30 and 50 cm (12 and 20in) in height. It has upright, ramified stems with a square section like most Lamiaceae. It is an aromatic plant whose leaves, fresh or dried, are widely used in salads, marinades or in pesto to accompany pasta, meat or fish.

The use of basil in the Mediterranean basin dates back to Antiquity. For the Romans, this plant was the emblem of lovers, while for the Greeks, it symbolized hatred and misfortune! Basil is a condiment plant used to flavor and enhance dishes. Rich in essential oil, basil has soothing, anti-inflammatory and stimulating properties.

Basil will require a supply of well-decomposed compost (3 kg/m²) in late autumn or early spring.

Harvest: Between July and October, basil is harvested as needed and as it develops.

Storage: Basil can be stored in a glass filled with water in the refrigerator for a few days. It can also be dried in the shade and stored in an airtight jar, but unfortunately, it loses some of its fragrance.

Gardener's tip: Carry out regular weeding and hoeing. Pinch the flowering shoots so that new shoots develop. The smell of its leaves repels mosquitoes.