LIQUORICE BASIL IS A GREAT HERBAL PLANT, NOT ONLY BEAUTIFUL BUT USEFUL TOO! CUT A SPRIG FOR THE HOUSE, IT QUICKLY COMES BACK AGAIN ONCE CUT!

Description
Liquorice basil is a strong, flavourful variety of basil which grows into vibrant green plants with hints of purple on the foliage. A type of Thai basil, these plants are not only beautiful, but reward growers as an immensely fragrant addition to the home garden!

As the name would imply, both liquorice and anise are prevalent in the flavour of the basil. Liquorice, growing in the ground or in containers, thrives in warm weather climates which receive ample sunlight. Can be used fresh or dried. Popular in Vietnamese & Thai cooking. Harvest leaves as required.

Like many other varieties of basil, liquorice flavoured basil plants are extremely easy to grow. While it may be possible to locate seedlings in local garden centres, most believe that basil is best grown from seed. Basil liquorice growing from seed is a cost-effective way to increase basil harvests, even for those with relatively short growing seasons.

Grow Notes
Annual growing to 60cm, grow in part or full sun in moist well drained soils. This is a tall, open variety. Beyond planting, liquorice basil plants require little care. To promote healthier, bushier plants, many gardeners may choose to pinch basil seedlings early in the season to help promote the plants’ branching habit.

Frequent and consistent watering will result in lush, green growth from plants without the need for frequent fertilization. At harvest time, make certain only to remove about one-fourth of the plant to ensure continued basil harvests throughout the season.

Sow
Growers have several options when starting basil seed. Though it is possible to start basil seeds indoors in seed trays, many gardeners find that direct sowing the seed in Spring and Summer is both efficient and effective. To direct sow, simply broadcast the seeds into a well amended and weed free garden bed and water thoroughly. Or plant 50cm apart at 3mm depth.

Germination
5-10 days at 18-35°C

Maturity
60 days to maturity. Annual.