====== Basil ====== 
 ===== Botanical Information ===== 
^Botanical Information^^
^Order | Lamiales| 
^Family | Lamiaceae| 
^Genus | Ocimum| 
^Common Name | Basil| 
^Species | O. basilicum| 
 ===== Maturity days ===== 
  * 50
 ===== Planting Months ===== 
^Planting months^^^^^^^^^^^^
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| X         | X       | X         | X         | X         | X         | X         | X         | X         | X         | X         | X       | 
 ===== Permaculture uses ===== 
^Permaculture uses^^^
| Usage 1| Usage 2 | Usage 3 | 
| | Bee_food| Herb| 
 ===== Growing condition comments ===== 
^Growing Condition ^Comment^
|Drought Tolerant | | 
| Humidity tolerant | | 
| Planting area | Wicking_bed| 
|Sunlight | Full_sun| 
 ===== Photos ===== 
^ Photos ^^^
| {{ :wiki:Basil1.JPG?200|}}| {{ :wiki:?200|}}| {{ :wiki:?200|}}| 
 ===== Short comments ===== 
Tropical native, culinary plant. Bee attracting flowers. Doesn't like to be inundated in wet season
 ===== General comments ===== 
Space plants: 20 - 25 cm apart  Compatible with (can grow beside): Tomato  A frost tender low-growing herb. Basil is a culinary herb prominently featured in Italian cuisine, and also plays a major role in the Southeast Asian cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. The plant tastes somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent sweet smell. There are many varieties including Thai, purple ruffles, and lemon.  Can be grown inside in pots in winter. As the plant develops, pinch out the top to encourage bushy growth. Pick off flowers to encourage more growth.  Culinary hints - cooking and eating Basil Basil is commonly used fresh in cooked recipes. It is generally added at the last moment, as cooking quickly destroys the flavour. Tear rather than chop. The fresh herb can be kept for a short time in plastic bags in the refrigerator, or for a longer period in the freezer, after being blanched quickly in boiling water.
 ===== Tags ===== 
{{tag>Lamiales Lamiaceae Ocimum Basil Perennial  Bee_food Herb Full_sun Wicking_bed }}