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Lamiaceae
Ocimum basilicum 'Summerlong'
Basil, Summerlong Basil
Bearing a summer-long bounty of zesty, fragrant leaves on compact, bolt-resistant plants, this Burpee introduction is well suited for both ornamental and culinary plantings. It is one of hundreds of selections of Ocimum basilicum, an annual or short-lived perennial from tropical Asia that has long been cultivated for its aromatic, flavorful leaves.
The fragrant, bright-green, oval leaves of this basil are densely borne on low, shrubby, mounded plants. The robustly flavored leaves taste great in salads, pesto or pasta sauce. Although less likely to flower (or "bolt") than most basil varieties, 'Summerlong' may bear spikes of small, two-lipped, pale purple blooms in the heat of summer. Flowering causes the leaves to deteriorate in appearance and flavor, so pinch back any flower buds.
Basil requires full sun and fertile to average, well-drained soil. Grow it as a spring and summer annual in cooler zones and a year-round perennial in warmer locations. Water regularly for good growth and harvest the leaves often to encourage the continued growth of tender shoots and leaves. Basil is the perfect companion plant for tomatoes, so consider planting a few at the base of their cages or trellises. This cultivar is propagated from seed.
11 - 1
9 - 11
A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Herb
Full Sun
10"-14" / 25.4cm - 35.6cm
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
Southern Asia, Southeastern Asia
Neutral
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Fast
Average Water
Cushion/Mound-forming
Summer, Fall
Showy
White, Light Pink, Lavender
Green, Bronze
Yes
Single
No
Medium
Glossy
Semi-Evergreen
Container, Edging, Edible, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border
Butterflies
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