Basil Plants

When buying basil plants you have to know what you are looking for. There are numerous differences in sizes, flavors, and colors. Basil plants can be expensive so make sure you do your homework before buying the plant.

Based on what time of year it is, your plant options may dwindle. Basil grows in warm weather with a lot of sun, so plan accordingly. If it is a winter month then you should plan on buying a smaller plant for indoor growing. They can regularly grow to 3 feet tall, and that might not be conducive for a smaller kitchen. The Mammoth, Valentino, and the Napoletano are very large basil plants, so you may want to stay away from these types. The plant matures in about 85 days so you may want to buy one in spring as opposed to winter when you can replant it in the ground.

If you were looking for a basil plant with color then you would want to choose a Red Rubin, Dark Opal, Osmin, or a Purple Thai, which gives you basil with a very distinct purple color. The different colors of the basil plant do more than just enhance your garden or home, they have different tastes. Even the green basil plants can have different flavors so you should know what your individual taste is when buying the basil plant.

Basil is a member of the mint family, and has a very aromatic variety of flavors. Sweet basil is the most basic flavor, one that you will taste in many Italian dishes. Lemon Basil has a very distinct lemon flavoring that is great for teas and chicken dishes. A very attractive color basil plant called Cinnamon basil has a strong cinnamon taste mixed with the sweet basil flavor. It is an excellent addition to a bouquet, fruit dishes, and tea. The licorice flavor of the anise basil will add a special zing to any dish you put it in.

You can choose to buy the seeds or the plant itself, just keep in mind all the options you have and what you need the basil for. Some basil is more ornamental then flavorful, and yet some are not as beautiful to look at, but have splendid pungent flavoring. Basil is best used fresh and not dried so make sure to harvest it correctly and you can enjoy basil of all different types and flavors.

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