Ocimum basilicum

Minimum seed count: 200

There is nothing quite so wonderful as the scent of sun-warmed basil as you happen to brush by it in the garden; sweet and spicy and smelling of summer and the potential of jars of pesto put by to bring a little sunshine to those long winter evenings.  This is a plant that my garden will never be without, and as a bonus, our many wild rabbits leave it alone.

Genovese Basil hails from Genoa, Italy, but despite its cultural importance there, it isn't a native plant.  Basil originates in tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia,  and arrived in Italy around 350 BC.

Pinch back the plants and remove the flowers to keep leaf production at a maximum all season.  Add the pinched leaves to sandwiches and caprese salad, or even grilled cheese!