Since English royalty preferred basil and used it for both culinary and cosmetic purposes, chefs sometimes call it "the king of herbs." In addition to being popular with the ruling class, basil was commonly used throughout England and loved for its scent many people included it in their gardens, added it to their bouquets, and used it to freshen the air in their houses. It seems that no one could agree on the properties of basil, with divided opinions on whether it had medical benefits or whether it contained poison. In Greek and Roman cultures, however, basil represented hate and misfortune because of this, gardeners would often shout abuses at their plants to help them grow. In many cultures basil is a symbol of love, and given as a token of affection or engagement other meanings include protection and truth. Ancient legends give basil a strong religious connection, stating that it possesses healing powers. Native to India and ancient Persia, basil has a long history as one of the most revered of herbs. The foliage of this Basil is scented like Cloves! It can be used as a food flavoring, tea, or simply a sweet-smelling, decorative addition to your herb garden! IN-STOCK ORDERS SHIP THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY VIA THE US POST OFFICE. Store clove scented basil herb seeds in a cool, dry place. Thresh the heads to remove the seed, and clean out as much of the chaff as possible. Harvest the clusters of pods when they turn brown, and spread them out to dry in a protected location away from direct sunlight. Seed Saving: After the flowers have finished blooming, the clove scented basil herb seeds will begin to develop. Since the water content of basil is very high and it can mold easily, the best method for drying is a dehydrator, an oven, or a similar dry, warm location. Fresh basil will keep for several days at room temperature, with the stems in a glass of water if refrigerated, it tends to wilt and turn brown. When harvesting, pinch off the stem directly above the next set of leaves. Remove single leaves or parts of a stem as needed, taking care to leave at least three sets of leaves on the length of the stem for healthy growth. After the plant is established, harvesting often actually improves production once the flowers develop, however, the leaves grow bitter to the taste. The best time to harvest the leaves is in the morning after the dew dries. Harvesting: Basil leaves can be harvested as soon as they reach a height of 6-8". To prune the plant, remove the top several sets of leaves on each stem, taking care to leave at least three sets of leaves on the lower part. As the plant grows, pruning it helps it to develop into a bushy, healthy plant pruning is also important because once the plant flowers, it will begin to wilt and die. If the weather drops below 50 degrees, provide protection. Growing: Basil thrives in soil that drains well, yet needs water often. Basil also grows well indoors or as a container plant. To direct sow, plant clove scented basil herb seeds 1/4" deep in rich soil and full sun, thinning to 15-18" apart when the seedlings develop. Gardeners with short growing seasons may want to start their clove scented basil herb seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date, sowing them thinly in flats and providing heat to speed germination. Sowing: Since basil thrives in warm weather, it grows best when the soil has warmed and there is no chance of frost.
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