Dwarf Greek Basil – MIg

Description

Dwarf Greek Basil is a compact heirloom basil variety prized for its dense, rounded growth and abundance of tiny, aromatic green leaves. It has a sweet, spicy basil flavor with a fresh, slightly peppery aroma, making it excellent for salads, pesto, pasta, sauces, Mediterranean dishes, and fresh garnishes. Its compact habit makes it especially suitable for containers, balconies, and small gardens. This warm-loving herb performs well in the UAE when grown during the cooler parts of the warm season.

When to Plant in the UAE

• Outdoors: Direct sow seeds in early September and again in early March for the best results.

Planting & Care Tips

• Light & Soil: Grow in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost.
• Depth & Germination: Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep or lightly press them onto the soil surface. Germination typically occurs within 5–10 days.
• Spacing: Space plants 20–25 cm apart, with 30–40 cm between rows.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during warm weather and active growth.
• Feeding: Add compost before planting and feed with a balanced organic fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during active growth.
• Pinching: Pinch out the growing tips regularly to encourage a bushier plant and delay flowering. Remove flower buds if you want to maximize leaf production.
• Harvest: Begin harvesting approximately 30–45 days after sowing, once the plants have developed several sets of leaves.
• Harvesting Tips: Harvest the upper stems just above a pair of leaves. Regular harvesting encourages fresh branching and continuous leaf production.