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Marseille Basil

Ocimum basilicum
Basil

5,0/5
2 reviews
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Excellent taste but temperamental growth exacerbated by a scorching summer. To be done again.

Nathalie F., 05/11/2020

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

Value-for-money
Marseille Basil is a classic variety from the Provence region in the South of France. This popular French heirloom is extremely fragrant. It is particularly slow-bolting and can be enjoyed all summer long. Sow from March to May for a harvest from May to October.
Ease of cultivation
Beginner
Height at maturity
50 cm
Spread at maturity
15 cm
Soil moisture
Moist soil
Germination time (days)
15 days
Sowing method
Direct sowing, Sowing under cover
Sowing period March to May
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Harvest time May to October
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Description

Marseille Basil is a classic variety from the Provence region in the South of France. This popular French heirloom is extremely fragrant. It is particularly slow-bolting and can be enjoyed all summer long. Sow from March to May for a harvest from May to October.

Basil is native to the tropical regions of Asia and Africa and has been used in the Mediterranean region since Antiquity. Romans hailed it as the symbol of love... whereas Ancient Greeks considered basil to be the plant of hatred and misfortune! Depending on the variety, plants will reach 30-50 cm in height. Like most members of the Lamiaceae family, the erect, branched stems are square. The leaves of this delightful herb can be eaten fresh or dried. They are widely used in salads, marinades or pesto to accompany pasta, meat or fish. As well as being rich in essential oils, basil has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and stimulating properties.

 

Harvesting and storage: for immediate use, harvest the leaves as and when required from July to October. Basil will stay fresh for a few days in a glass filled with water, away from direct sunlight. It can also be dried and kept in an airtight jar, although it will inevitably lose some of its aroma.

Good to know: Basil benefits from a supply of well-rotted compost (3 kg/m²) in late autumn or early spring. Weed and hoe regularly to keep the weeds down. Pinching the flowering stems will lead to a bushier plant. The smell of basil leaves is a well-known mosquito repellent!

Harvest

Harvest time May to October
Type of vegetable Aromatic
Vegetable colour green
Size of vegetable Medium
Interest Flavour, Productive
Use Cooking

Plant habit

Height at maturity 50 cm
Spread at maturity 15 cm
Growth rate normal

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green
Aromatic? Fragrant foliage when creased

Botanical data

Genus

Ocimum

Species

basilicum

Family

Lamiaceae

Other common names

Basil

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Annual / Perennial

Annual

Product reference25591

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Planting and care

Sowing:

Basil likes a cool, moist, well-drained soil. It does best in part-shade as direct sunlight tends to burn the leaves. Basil can be grown both in the vegetable garden or in a pot in the veranda or on the balcony.

Direct sow in the Spring, from March to May. Lightly scatter the seeds in shallow furrows, about 10 cm wide and 2 cm deep. Leave about 25 cm between each row. Cover with soil and gently water. When the seedlings appear 10-15 days later, thin out the weakest ones. For longer harvests, stagger your sowing.

Alternatively, sow the seeds in pots and transplant when the seedlings reach about 10 cm in height (4-6 leaves). If you have a sunny spot in your kitchen such as the window sill, you can also choose to leave the basil in the pot to keep it closer to hand!

 

Care:

When the soil gets too dry, make sure to water your basil plants. Lack of water (hydric stress) will make them go to seed. Preventive mulching is also a good idea. Pinch out the flower heads as soon as they appear to encourage the plant to put out new leaves.

Basil is susceptible to powdery mildew, bacterial leaf spot and aphids. You can reduce the chances of this being an issue by watering your plants less often and thinning out the rows. Protect your plants from aphids by spraying them with a mixture of water and olive oil.

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Seedlings

Sowing period March to May
Sowing method Direct sowing, Sowing under cover
Germination time (days) 15 days

Care

Soil moisture Tolerant
Disease resistance Good
Pruning No pruning necessary

Intended location

Type of use Vegetable garden
Hardiness Hardy down to -1°C (USDA zone 10a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), 130
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