Basil Blue Spice has small, bright green leaves with a sweet, almost vanilla scent. There’s a hint of that vanilla in the flavour too, along with something spicy, a touch of lemon and even a bit of liquorice. Keep picking and it will keep giving, and later in the season the stems darken and new leaves take on a purpley tint. Then it flowers, and up it goes! Spikes to around 60 cm with deep purple bracts and lilac blooms. Some people grow it just for that look and scent, and you can see why. But don’t miss out on using it as well. It’s lovely with tomato, aubergine and courgette dishes, and works just as well with meat, fish and cheese. Annual 🌱 Seasonal Growing Guide
Spring
• Sow seeds in pots or plug trays. If you’re sowing early, give them a bit of bottom heat to get going. • Once seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them up and grow them on. • Water early in the day to help avoid damping off.
Summer
• Pinch out flower buds to keep the plant leafy and prolong harvest. • Pick leaves regularly for the best flavour.
Autumn
• With some care, you can extend your harvest into winter. • Plants may need feeding or repotting to keep them vigorous.
Enjoy: Lovely with tomato, aubergine and courgette dishes, as well as with meat, fish and cheese. Or just grow it for the scent and those striking pollinator-friendly flowers!
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