Growing guide
Planted x Graen Studio
Planted was delighted to partner with Graen studio’s to produce 200 limited edition Basil seed packets for the show.
Graen is an online store and creative studio specialising in design-led products for the art and practice of growing plants.
At Planted we believe everyone can grow beautiful herbs and flowers, no matter how big or small your outdoor space may be. Even if it is just on a sunny windowsill, happiness comes in a little pot of green which you can nurture, tend and care for over time.
Genovese Basil (Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum)
A classic, aromatic, sweet basil with large leaves that originated in Italy.
Grow
Sow seeds indoors from late Winter to mid-Summer. Scatter several seeds in a small 3” pot and place in a propagator or cover with a clear, freezer bag. When seedlings emerge, remove from the propagator and keep soil damp. The plant can be kept indoors virtually all year round with plenty of light on a warm, sunny windowsill. Plant outside after all frost has passed, first by hardening off the plant. Keep in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Make successive sowings for continuous supplies. Water in the morning as basil hates to have wet roots overnight.
Use
This variety of basil is most commonly used for pesto and Caprese salads. Basil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Harvest leaves early in the morning by pinching the stems just above a set of leaves, which will also help to keep the plant bushy. If plants are left to go to flower, the leaves will start to lose their flavour and the life span of the plant will also shorten. The flowers are also edible but have a more concentrated flavour and scent. Do not use any chemicals when growing for consumption.
These seed packets are made with longevity and versatility in mind, so the packet can be kept after sowing the seeds for you to enjoy the artwork as a miniature print. Each packet contains approximately 5g seeds and come from an Organic Certified and Defra Registered Supplier in the UK.