Basil Bouquet is a curated mix that celebrates the global diversity of basil, bringing together five distinct varieties, Lemon, Cinnamon, Thai, Purple, and more, each bred for specific culinary purposes across different food cultures. From the pesto-pounding traditions of Genoa to the aromatic intensity prized in Southeast Asian stir-fries, this collection lets you grow basil the way it was meant to be used. Reaching 18 to 36 inches tall with a 60-day harvest window, Basil Bouquet thrives in full sun and delivers multiple flavor profiles from a single planting.
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36in H x 18in W
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This is basil as cultural history in seed form. Each variety in the mix was carefully selected by gardeners in its region of origin for specific culinary qualities: Genovese growers bred their basil for the tender leaf texture and subtle flavor that pounds into silky pesto, while Thai gardeners developed their varieties to maintain vibrant aroma through the heat of stir-frying. Growing all five at once means you're not just planting an herb; you're growing the reasons different cuisines developed different basils in the first place.
Each variety in this mix has earned its place through specific culinary excellence. Genovese basil is the basil for pesto, where its tender leaves and delicate flavor create the silkiest sauce. Thai basil shines in stir-fries, curries, and Southeast Asian braises where its strong aroma and subtle licorice notes intensify rather than fade with heat. Lemon and Cinnamon basils excel in teas, vinegars, and desserts where their distinctive aromatic profiles add complexity. Purple basil brings visual drama to salads and garnishes while contributing peppery notes. This mix ensures you have the right basil for whatever you're cooking.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix, pressing gently so they make contact with soil but do not cover them, basil seeds need light to germinate. Maintain soil temperature around 70 to 75°F; germination typically occurs within 5 to 10 days. Provide bright light once seedlings emerge to prevent leggy growth.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed to at least 60°F, though basil prefers warmer conditions around 70°F or higher. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Space plants 12 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the soil has warmed and all frost danger has passed. Sow seeds on the surface of prepared soil and press gently into contact with soil without covering. Keep soil consistently moist until germination occurs.
Begin harvesting leaves once plants reach 6 inches tall, about 60 days from planting, by pinching or cutting the top leaves and stems. Harvest regularly to encourage continued branching and leaf production. Harvest in the morning after dew dries but before the day's heat peaks for the best flavor and aroma. Pinch off flower buds as they form to keep leaves tender and flavorful.
Pinch off the top pair of leaves regularly and remove flower buds as soon as they appear to encourage bushier, fuller growth and extend the productive leaf-harvesting season. This pinching technique applies to all varieties in the mix and is essential to keeping plants full and producing tender leaves rather than flowering.
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“Basil Bouquet represents a deliberate synthesis of regional basil traditions, each variety shaped by the food culture that depends on it. The Genovese basil in this mix comes from centuries of selection by Italian gardeners who specifically bred for the qualities they felt made the best pesto, particularly the ability to pestare, or pound, the leaves without bruising them. Thai basils, by contrast, were developed in Southeast Asia through a parallel breeding tradition focused on preserving strong, rich aromas that would survive the high heat of stir-frying rather than dissipate. This collection honors both traditions in a single packet, acknowledging that basil breeding has always been driven by place and purpose, not by chance.”