Dwarf Minette Greek Basil

500 seeds

1. Sowing Indoors or Outdoors:

   - Indoors: Start seeds indoors about 6–8 weeks before the last frost.

     - Sow seeds on the surface of a moist, well-draining seed-starting mix. Gently press the seeds down but don’t cover them, as basil seeds need light to germinate.

     - Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a temperature of 70–75°F (21–24°C). Germination typically takes 5–10 days.

   - Outdoors: Directly sow seeds outdoors after the last frost, typically in late spring.

     - Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 12–18 inches apart in rows or clusters.

2. Sunlight and Soil:

   - Sunlight: Basil thrives in full sun, requiring 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day for strong growth and flavor.

   - Soil: Basil prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Add organic matter or compost to improve soil quality.

3. Watering:

   - Water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Basil likes evenly moist conditions, so water the plants regularly, especially in dry weather.

   - Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.

4. Care:

   - Thinning: Thin the seedlings to 12–18 inches apart once they have a few leaves to allow for proper air circulation and healthy growth.

   - Mulch: Apply a light mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and prevent weeds.

   - Pinching: Pinch back the tops of the plants when they are about 6 inches tall to encourage bushy growth and more leaf production.

5. Harvesting:

   - Start harvesting the leaves when the plant has reached a height of around 6–8 inches. Harvest the leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

   - For a more concentrated flavor, harvest leaves before the plant flowers. Once the plant begins flowering, the leaves can become more bitter.

6. General Tips:

   - Dwarf Minette Greek Basil is a compact variety, ideal for small gardens, containers, or even windowsill gardening.

   - It is perfect for use in Greek and Mediterranean dishes, adding a sweet, aromatic flavor.

   - Basil is sensitive to cold and should be brought indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Dwarf Minette Greek Basil is a small, aromatic herb that’s perfect for adding fresh flavor to a variety of dishes. Its compact size makes it great for containers, hanging baskets, or small spaces, while its abundant leaves offer a rich flavor throughout the growing season!