Imagine the many ways you can use the wonderful textures, scents, and flavors in this unique blend of basils! Blend includes Genovese and large leaf basil for pesto and pasta; 'Dark Opal' for colorful vinegars; lime for flavored oils, sauces, and sorbet; lemon for chicken, fish, and pasta dishes; and cinnamon to add an extra flavor kick to fruit salads. There are dozens of ways to enjoy this bountiful blend of basils! Be sure to freeze extra basil in cubes of olive oil to make pesto throughout the year and save some stalks for your floral arrangement.
Family: Laminaceae
Native: Probably Africa, but in cultivation for so long that it cannot be verified.
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Plant Dimensions: 18"–30" tall
Variety Info: CINNAMON: 24"–30" tall; looks like sweet basil but with red stems and pink flowers. Has a cinnamon fragrance and very sweet flavor. Use in fruit salads, jellies, and in fresh and dried flower arrangements. GENOVESE: 18"–24" tall; large leaf green basil with spicy flavor and fragrance; this is the true Italian pesto basil from the Genoa area of Italy, the pesto capital of the world. LEMON: 18" tall; small leaves, with a strong lemon fragrance and flavor. Nice in vinegar and complements dishes with a lemon base. LIME: 18" tall; dark green, shiny leaves; sweet lime aroma with citrus flavor for memorable flavored oils and sauces. Use in desserts such as a delicious lime basil sorbet. LARGE LEAF: 18"–24" tall, 10" wide. Medium dark-green leaves and a sweet, "all-around" basil. 'DARK OPAL': 24" tall, purple leaves with mild, sweet flavor just right for pesto, pasta, and salad; makes a lovely pink vinegar or oil. A beautiful addition to any garden.
Attributes: Good for Containers
