BALM BASIL 29 



thinly where the plants are to stand, rows two feet 

 apart, and when well up, thin to one foot. 



Set roots or slips one by two feet, in spring. 



Pick the leaves as wanted, after the plants are 

 well established. For tea and wine, use the tender 

 stalks as well as the leaves. Cut down the whole 

 plant in the fall; leaves and stalks may be dried for 

 winter use. 



Renew as the plants show less vigor. 



BASIL, or Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum), is an 

 annual herb, the leaves of which are used in seasoning, 

 tasting of cloves. The several varieties mentioned by 

 European writers are seldom offered here. 



Soil, a warm light loam, well enriched. 



Distances. Rows one foot apart ; plants six to eight 

 inches in the rows. 



Sow under glass in April; prick out or pot. Set 

 outdoors when frosts are past. Or sow in the open 

 ground late in May, thinly. 



Depth, one-half to one inch. 



Thin or transplant to the above distances. 



Pick the leaves and shoots as required. When in 

 bloom, cut the whole plant and dry in the house. Cut 

 again in fall. 



Potting. Basil may be potted and kept in a warm 

 room, where it will yield through the winter. 



