Basil Anise

Basil Anise Seeds: Flavor for Culinary Adventures

Unleash a unique licorice twist in your cooking with our Basil Anise seeds (*Ocimum basilicum*).

This flavorful variety offers a distinct black licorice taste that beautifully complements fish, tomato-based dishes, and even fruit salads. It’s a particularly popular choice for both Italian and exotic Thai recipes, adding an intriguing aromatic depth. This herb thrives in full sun and requires regular watering to flourish.

Its attractive foliage features a subtle purple flush, and the stems display a lovely rose-colored hue. Beyond its culinary appeal, Anise Basil is a magnet for beneficial bees, graceful butterflies, and charming birds, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.

Embrace the rich history and unique flavor of this revered herb, once a symbol of love and protection in ancient cultures.

Key Features of Anise Basil

• Black Licorice Flavor: Offers a unique and distinct licorice taste.
• Versatile Culinary Use: Complements fish, tomatoes, fruits, Italian, and Thai cuisine.
• Attractive Foliage: Features a subtle purple flush on the leaves and rose-colored stems.
• Attracts Pollinators: A favorite of bees, butterflies, and birds.
• Rich History: A revered herb with ancient connections to love, protection, and healing.

Growing Your Anise Basil

Start your Anise Basil seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost, sowing them thinly in flats and providing warmth (soil temp 70-75°F) to speed germination.

Transplant seedlings 15-18 inches apart in rich soil and full sun. Alternatively, direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep outdoors once the soil has warmed and there is no risk of frost, thinning to 15-18 inches apart. Ensure the soil drains well but water frequently, especially in hot weather.

Protect plants if temperatures drop below 50°F. Pruning the top sets of leaves encourages a bushy growth habit and prevents premature flowering, which can make the leaves bitter. Harvest leaves as needed once the plant reaches 6-8 inches tall, ideally in the morning. Pinch off stems directly above a leaf node to encourage more growth.