THE GIANTS OF THE KITCHEN
25 May 2021
The basil plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which boasts many varieties and, according to recent agronomy research, may include as many as 150 different species.
Its scientific name is Ocimum Basilicum, based on a combination of the ancient Greek words "ocimum" meaning "smell" and "Basilikon", a reference to the sacred nature attributed to the plant in many ancient cultures, to the extent that it is sometimes referred to in French as "l'Herbe Royale” (the royal herb).
Basil is an annual plant. It has an upright stem with few branches, and bright green, oval leaves that are curved with a smooth edge. With the right attention and care, it can produce small white flowers between June and July. They are very similar in appearance to thyme and oregano flowers.
Simonato's tips for successful growing:
The Basil plant loves sunlight, at least 6/8 hours of direct sunlight a day. The ideal growing temperature is between 18° and 25°.
- The plant should be watered moderately, avoiding watering the leaves directly. The soil should never be dry, and draining pots should ideally be used to avoid the water becoming stagnant. Simonato recommends traditional plastic pots for this purpose, or environmentally friendly pots, which are biodegradable and compostable.
We stock the following varieties:
Greek Basil: this variety has very fragrant small and narrow leaves, and a distinctive bushy appearance. It has a very delicate flavour with light oregano notes
Arctic Basil: or mountain basil, it grows in colder climates than standard basil, with rougher leaves and very luxuriant growth.
Red Basil: as the name suggests, this type of basil has intense red/purple leaves and a delicate flavour, meaning it can enhance any dish without overpowering it
These three specific varieties are also very commonly used as ornamental plants, whether to bring a touch of colour to the table or to garnish dishes and cocktails.
Its scientific name is Ocimum Basilicum, based on a combination of the ancient Greek words "ocimum" meaning "smell" and "Basilikon", a reference to the sacred nature attributed to the plant in many ancient cultures, to the extent that it is sometimes referred to in French as "l'Herbe Royale” (the royal herb).
Basil is an annual plant. It has an upright stem with few branches, and bright green, oval leaves that are curved with a smooth edge. With the right attention and care, it can produce small white flowers between June and July. They are very similar in appearance to thyme and oregano flowers.
Simonato's tips for successful growing:
The Basil plant loves sunlight, at least 6/8 hours of direct sunlight a day. The ideal growing temperature is between 18° and 25°.
- The plant should be watered moderately, avoiding watering the leaves directly. The soil should never be dry, and draining pots should ideally be used to avoid the water becoming stagnant. Simonato recommends traditional plastic pots for this purpose, or environmentally friendly pots, which are biodegradable and compostable.
We stock the following varieties:
Greek Basil: this variety has very fragrant small and narrow leaves, and a distinctive bushy appearance. It has a very delicate flavour with light oregano notes
Arctic Basil: or mountain basil, it grows in colder climates than standard basil, with rougher leaves and very luxuriant growth.
Red Basil: as the name suggests, this type of basil has intense red/purple leaves and a delicate flavour, meaning it can enhance any dish without overpowering it
These three specific varieties are also very commonly used as ornamental plants, whether to bring a touch of colour to the table or to garnish dishes and cocktails.
