Spicy Globe Basil – MIg

Description

Spicy Globe Basil is a compact heirloom basil variety prized for its neat, rounded growth and dense clusters of small, aromatic green leaves. It has a distinctive spicy, peppery basil flavor with a fresh fragrance, making it excellent for salads, pesto, pasta, sauces, soups, Mediterranean dishes, and fresh garnishes. Its naturally compact shape makes it ideal for containers, balconies, kitchen gardens, and small growing spaces. 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 the growing tips regularly to encourage dense, bushy growth and delay flowering. Remove flower buds when growing primarily for leaves.
• Harvest: Begin harvesting approximately 30–45 days after sowing, once plants have developed several sets of leaves.
• Harvesting Tips: Cut the upper stems just above a pair of leaves. Frequent harvesting encourages branching and continuous production of fresh leaves.