Basil

Spicy deep purple-green leaves and purple stems. Highly desireable color and weight from succlent stems and cotyledons. "Purple Sango radish has the dark purple color that our mixes need, and thick weighty cotyledons that give us great yields," says Katherine of Moose Meadow Farm. "We plant it more than any other microgreen!" Lofty greens Unique color 3oz of Seeds Instructions - Follow Instructions on Pack - Super easy.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability.

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - This variety comes from Naples and is highly prized for its strong flavor. Giant rumpled 6 in. leaves are great for pesto, though the thick leaves are harder to dry than most. Vigorous 3 ft. plants are pest-resistant and slow to flower.  Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO Open-Pollinated  3' tall plants Pkt (0.15 g, ~185seeds) Instructions - Basil is a tender annual that prefers warm weather and rich soil. It is a popular culinary herb, cut flower, and can be used as a medicinal herb to calm the stomach. Basil needs well-drained but moist soil that is highly fertile. It is not drought tolerant, so even moisture levels are important for healthy growth. Start transplants indoors 6 weeks prior to planting out, or direct seed mid-spring through late summer. Basil is very sensitive to cold; use a row cover to extend the season. Pinch buds to encourage branching and leaf production.  Plant 1/4" deep. Transplanting is recommended; if direct seeding, sow 2-3 seeds per inch and thin to 4-8" apart.  Plant Spacing: Transplanting at 4-8" is recommended; if direct seeding, sow 2-3 seeds per inch and thin to 4-8" apart.  Row Spacing: 18"  Harvest & Storage - Harvest can begin once plants have become established, by pinching or cutting branches but leaving the plant to continue to produce leaves. A harvest of the full plant should be completed just before the plant starts to flower (flavor is significantly impacted once flowering occurs). Cut the entire plant 4-6" above the ground to promote a second growth. Store unwashed at room temperature to avoid browning. Do not store below 50°F.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Has a spicy cinnamon fragrance. Use as a tea or potpourri. Or use it like sweet basil for a unique twist.  Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO Tea Open-Pollinated  Pkt (0.25 g, ~240 seeds) Instructions - Basil is a tender annual that prefers warm weather and rich soil. It is a popular culinary herb, cut flower, and can be used as a medicinal herb to calm the stomach. Basil needs well-drained but moist soil that is highly fertile. It is not drought tolerant, so even moisture levels are important for healthy growth. Start transplants indoors 6 weeks prior to planting out, or direct seed mid-spring through late summer. Basil is very sensitive to cold; use a row cover to extend the season. Pinch buds to encourage branching and leaf production.  Plant 1/4" deep. Transplanting is recommended; if direct seeding, sow 2-3 seeds per inch and thin to 4-8" apart.  Plant Spacing: Transplanting at 4-8" is recommended; if direct seeding, sow 2-3 seeds per inch and thin to 4-8" apart.  Row Spacing: 18"  Harvest & Storage - Harvest can begin once plants have become established, by pinching or cutting branches but leaving the plant to continue to produce leaves. A harvest of the full plant should be completed just before the plant starts to flower (flavor is significantly impacted once flowering occurs). Cut the entire plant 4-6" above the ground to promote a second growth. Store unwashed at room temperature to avoid browning. Do not store below 50°F.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - This classic large-leaved Italian sweet basil, prized for its flavor and heady aroma, is a top pick for many cooks when making pesto. Fragrant plants grow 18-24" and produce densely branched plants when pinched back regularly. Can be chopped and frozen in olive oil for winter use. Annual. Characteristics:  Best Seller Organic Annual plants Plants will grow to 18-24 inches Sweet, fragrant leaves 250 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when soil is warm and temperature does not drop below 65°F. Can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Make successive sowings for continuous summer supplies. Pinch back flower stalks as they appear to keep plants from bolting. Prefers rich well-drained soil. Sow 1/8" deep Germination 5-30 days Thin to 4-6" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - Forms a perfect 12-18" globe bush with very small thin leaves. Intense sweet basil scent with spicy flavor, slow to go to seed. Ideal for containers or as borders in gardens. Very uniform strain. Annual. Characteristics:  Organic Annual plants Plants grow to a 12-18 inch globe with thin leaves Great for container and ornamental plantings 250 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when soil is warm and the temperature does not drop below 65°F. Can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Make successive sowings for continuous summer supplies. Pinch back flower stalks as they appear to keep plants from bolting. Prefers rich well-drained soil. Direct Seed 1/8" deep Germination 5-30 days Thin 4-6" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - There’s more than one reason that ‘Tulsi’ (or holy) basil—considered a sacred plant in the Hindu religion—has been widely cultivated for millennia. It boasts an enticing clove-like aroma, grows fast, tolerates frost well, and is reputed to combat stress and boost the immune system. This versatile herb can be eaten fresh, dried, or made into tea. The green-leafed plants have a bush growing habit. 70-90 days. Characteristics:  New for 2022 Enticing clove-like aroma Annual plants Plants will grow to 18-24 inches Can be used fresh, dried, or made into tea 50 seeds  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when soil is warm and the temperature does not drop below 65°F. Can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Make successive sowings for continuous summer supplies. Pinch back flower stalks as they appear to keep plants from bolting. Prefers rich well-drained soil.  Direct Seed: 1/8" Deep Germination: 5-30 Days  Plant Outdoors Thin: 4-6" Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

One of our favorites! The large and flavorful leaves are great in pestos and salads.  The Seed Savers Exchange - A lettuce-leaf strain, this tall basil grows 24-30" and produces a steady crop of large, lush leaves, if its flowers are pinched off regularly. The basil comes from longtime Seed Savers Exchange member and advisor David Cavagnaro, who received it from Jana Muhar, who collected the seeds while living on the Greek island of Naxos. Annual. Characteristics:  Organic Annual plants Plants will grow to 24-30 inches 250 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when soil is warm and temperature does not drop below 65°F. Can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Make successive sowings for continuous summer supplies. Pinch back flower stalks as they appear to keep plants from bolting. Prefers rich well-drained soil. Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before planting Germination 10-15 days Plant 12-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability. Lettuce leaf basil is shown in the picture

The Seed Savers Exchange - (O. basilicum) Beautiful lilac flowers with dark red stems. Excellent contrast with green basil. Spectacular as a garnish, in salads, or for adding color to basil vinegar. Very uniform, all purple Italian strain. Annual.  Characteristics:  Organic Annual plants Plants grow to 12-18 inches Beautiful lilac flowers and dark purple leaves 250 seeds  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when soil is warm and the temperature does not drop below 65°F. Can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Make successive sowings for continuous summer supplies. Pinch back flower stalks as they appear to keep plants from bolting. Prefers rich well-drained soil.  Direct Seed: 1/8" Deep Germination: 5-30 Days Plant Outdoors Thin: 4-6" Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Living Seed Company - Purple basil exudes beautiful deep purple glossy leaves, offering Italian, Thai and Mediterranean dishes a sweet color accent.  Wonderful when combined in vinegar. A gorgeous herb has a similar taste profile to its green counterpart.  Can be used in any recipe calling for basil and as a stunning garnish.  This traditional classic Italian annual is authentic in appearance, offering a prized, spicy flavor. The purple basil reaches modest heights of 8 – 10” but can also be used ornamentally and in arrangements. This fragrant plant offers a delicious aroma and is choice for a wide range of dishes. Excellent for pesto, marinara, in soups, stews, and even tea. Enjoy this herb raw or lightly cooked. This annual is easy to grow and is known for its vigor.  The glossy basil, grows uniformly, with stunning lilac flowers that attracts bees.  Organic Annual plants Plants will grow to 18"  Sweet, fragrant leaves 60-80 Days 150 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when soil is warm and temperature does not drop below 65°F. Can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Make successive sowings for continuous summer supplies. Pinch back flower stalks as they appear to keep plants from bolting. Prefers rich well-drained soil. Sow 1/8" deep Germination 5-30 days Thin to 4-6" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Intense dark purple-red color with mild and aromatic basil flavor - a favorite in our trials! An improved strain of Rubin with very uniform germination and stand, no green off-types and stronger, more upright stems. Tall lavender flower spikes are lovely in bouquets and should be pinched for better leaf production.  Compact, upright habit Edible and ornamental Open-Pollinated Harvest in 45-60 days Instructions -Annual. Sow 1/8" deep Germination 5-30 days Thin to 4-6" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

High Mowing Organic Seeds - Very attractive, compact plants with the strongest downy mildew resistance we've seen. This line of downy mildew-resistant basil has been trialed against market standards all across the country and has come up aces every time. In our own field trials in northern Vermont, Obsession also impressed us with high marks for plant vigor and bolt tolerance. Plants have a high leaf-to-stem ratio and average 26" in height. Suitable for field or potted plant production. We are excited to offer Obsession as an organic seed thanks to our partnership with the team at Van Drunen Farms Specialty Seeds. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  Slow to bolt  Extremely uniform  Open-Pollinated  Instructions - Basil is a tender annual that prefers warm weather and rich soil. It is a popular culinary herb, cut flower, and can be used as a medicinal herb to calm the stomach. Basil needs well-drained but moist soil that is highly fertile. It is not drought tolerant, so even moisture levels are important for healthy growth. Start transplants indoors 6 weeks prior to planting out, or direct seed mid-spring through late summer. Basil is very sensitive to cold; use a row cover to extend the season. Pinch buds to encourage branching and leaf production.  Plant 1/4" deep. Transplanting is recommended; if direct seeding, sow 2-3 seeds per inch and thin to 4-8" apart.  Plant Spacing: Transplanting at 4-8" is recommended; if direct seeding, sow 2-3 seeds per inch and thin to 4-8" apart.  Row Spacing: 18"  Harvest & Storage - Harvest can begin once plants have become established, by pinching or cutting branches but leaving the plant to continue to produce leaves. A harvest of the full plant should be completed just before the plant starts to flower (flavor is significantly impacted once flowering occurs). Cut the entire plant 4-6" above the ground to promote a second growth. Store unwashed at room temperature to avoid browning. Do not store below 50°F.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability