Basil

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 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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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.