Giant Neapolitan Green Basil Seeds, 0.5 g

Basil Giant Neapolitano Green is a high-yielding variety that blooms from mid- to late summer.
The plant has shallow roots and a branched, erect stem 50–80 cm tall, with opposite, short-petioled leaves that are elongated or ovate in shape, ranging in color from green to dark purple.  The flowers, located in the axils of the upper leaves, are arranged in long racemose inflorescences. The color of the petals varies and can be white, light pink, lilac, and grayish-purple. The leaves, stems, and calyxes of the flowers are rough to the touch. They contain glands that accumulate essential oil. The fruits are small, dark (almost black) nuts that easily separate from one another as they ripen. Basil has a sharp aroma and flavor, somewhat reminiscent of cloves. The taste of young leaves and shoots is spicy and slightly salty. Basil arrived in Europe in the 16th century and quickly became very popular among Europeans. Later, Eastern spices somewhat supplanted it. In the middle of the last century, basil once again became very popular in European countries.

This capricious plant loves warmth, almost heat. It is best grown in pots in a heated, moderately warm greenhouse and taken outside during hot, dry summers. In cold and damp climates, it is best to keep the plants in the greenhouse year-round. If you can maintain a temperature of 13–15 °C in the greenhouse, sow a pinch of seeds in pots throughout the year. Do not thin or transplant the plants. Pinch off the tips of shoots that may flower. Water sparingly but frequently.