Genovese Basil, Heirloom, Organic
$3.45
$3.95
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
Tulsi (Holy Basil), Ancient Heirloom, Organic
$3.75
$4.00
The Living Seed Company - Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is an outstanding medicinal herb used most often as a delicious tea. Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda, which views it as an elixir of life. Considered to be an adaption, Tulsi helps in balancing different processes in the body, and is helpful for adapting to stress.
Organic and Open-Pollinated
Annual plant
Plants grow to 12-20 inches tall
A Medicinal Herb
Plant in Full Sun
50 Seeds
Instructions - Instructions - Sow seeds indoors on surface of soil. Transplant outdoors in early spring just before last frost. Chamomile prefers well-drained sandy soil and self-sows freely.
Sow indoors 6 weeks before the last frost (or feel free to sow outside if you have 100 days of frost free weather)
Germination 7-14 days
Plant 8" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability
Sweet Basil, Heirloom, Organic
$3.75
$4.00
The Living Seed Company - This aromatic and tender herb is one of the most common herbs worldwide. Commonly used in Asian and Italian cookery, sweet basil's fragrance is something you want in your garden. Grows great in containers and directly seeded. Enjoying full sun, this delicious annual is a prolific plant growing to 18" - 24". Be sure to enjoy its harvest before it begins to get cold, it is very sensitive to cold weather.
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
Sweet Thai Basil, Heirloom, Organic
$3.25
$3.75
Exotic clove-licorice flavor perfect in Thai cuisine.
Seed Exchange - Lovely potted herb, edible bedding plant and cut flower for floral arrangements. Gorgeous narrow green leaves with vivid dark purple stems and blossoms; adored by bees. Leaves are 2" long and plants reach 12-18" tall
Organic
Annual plants
Compact habit
Edible and ornamental
Instructions - Spicy anise-clove licorice scent and flavor. Most commonly used in Thai or Vietnamese cooking. Attractive plants are 12-18" tall with medium green leaves and purple stems and blossoms. Good for container gardening. 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
Isle of Naxos Basil, Organic
$3.45
$3.95
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
Red Rubin Basil, Organic
$3.75
$4.00
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
Lemon Basil, Heirloom, Organic
$3.25
$3.55
Narrow leaf basil from Southeast Asia with delightfully strong aroma and lemony flavor.
Hugh Mowing Organic Seeds - Delicious with fish and in salad dressings. Flowering stalks can be added to bouquets to lend a wonderful lemony fragrance. A smaller-leaf variety, reaching 15" tall.
Organic & Open-Pollinated
Specialty variety
Nice bouquet flower
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
Green Leaf Tulsi Basil Herb, An Ancient Heirloom
$3.45
$3.95
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
Purple Dark Opal Basil Herb, Organic
$3.45
$3.95
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
Agostino Reghitto Basil, Heirloom, Organic
$3.45
$3.95
The Seed Savers Exchange - A classic Genovese-type basil, with dense foliage, this herb has a slightly milder anise profile. It comes from the family of Steve Foisie and is named for his grandfather, Agostino Reghitto. Agostino emigrated from Italy to Washington State in 1902 and founded Colonial Gardens Company, which raised vegetables for the Tacoma and Olympia markets. It’s unknown if the basil came from Italy, but Steve and his sister Sue recall that their mother, Della (Agostino's daughter), grew it each year. The upright plants measure approximately 1' tall, and the leaves measure about 3-4½" long and about 1-2" wide.
Characteristics:
Organic
Reintroduced for 2022
A more mild basil
Dense foliage
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
Lime Basil Herb, Organic
$3.45
$3.95
The Seed Savers Exchange - (O. americanum) Zesty lime flavor and aroma. Delicious in salads, salsa, and fish and chicken dishes. Compact, mounding plants average 20" in height. More heat tolerant than sweet basil. Annual.
Characteristics:
Organic
Annual plants
Plants grow to 20 inches tall
Lime scent and flavor
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
Light: Full Sun
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability
Rutgers Obsession DMR Basil, Organic
$3.25
$3.50
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
Thai Basil, Heirloom, Organic
$3.45
$3.95
Seed 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.
Organic
Annual plants
Plants grow to 12-18 inches tall
Green leaves, purple stalks and blossoms
Spicy, anise scent and flavor
Instructions - Spicy anise-clove scent and flavor. Most commonly used in Thai or Vietnamese cooking. Attractive plants are 12-18" tall with medium green leaves and purple stems and blossoms. Good for container gardening. 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
Globe Basil, Greek Basil, Organic
$3.45
$3.95
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.
Sacred Basil - Tulsi, Heirloom, Organic
$3.25
$3.25
Musky, fragrant flowers and foliage are excellent for tea and medicinal purposes.
High Mowing Organic Seeds - Also known as Holy basil or Tulsi, our strain comes from Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seed and is temperate basil that is well adapted to North America. Many medicinal properties include adaptogenic, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory qualities; also an immune stimulant.
Characteristics:
Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated
Potent medicinal
Tea plant
Attracts pollinators
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. Sensitive to temps below 40°F
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 the availability