PURPLE BASIL—Ocimum pupureum, is a decorative form with deep- 
purple leaves and pinkish flowers. When in blossom, the calyx and 
stem retain the rich hue but the leaf often becomes streaked with 
green. 
LEMON BASIL—Ocimum sp., is a new arrival from Thailand where 
the seeds are used like Flax seeds for their mucilaginous 
quality when moist. The delightful lemon scent and 
flavor are fast making this variety the most popular of 
the Basils. The foliage seems to be more delicate than 
Sweet Basil, lighter green in color, leaves dull and 
narrower, slightly irregular. The white blossoms and 
opposite leaves are more widely spaced which gives a 
loose, graceful aspect. Fine shining hairs cover the 
under sides of the leaves and become a quarter of an inch long on the 
calyx. Flowers earlier than all the other Basils and several cuttings of 
leaf tips may be gathered in a season. 
ill Mi,,, 
The very striking difference that distinguishes this Basil is its 
distinctly lemon fragrance and taste. A perfect seasoning for tomato 
juice as it supplies the Basil and the lemon juice flavor in one perfect 
blending which has a rich overtone all its own. Lemon Basil lends a 
new piquancy to French Dressing, peas, carrots, fish, meats and herb 
tea. It dries well and doés not become bitter with cooking. 
CuLTIvaTION: All varieties of Basil are annuals. Seed should not be 
planted in the open until the ground is thoroughly warm. In northern 
sections, where the season is short, plants may be started in a green- 
house or hot bed and set out with ten inches between seedlings. Seeds 
germinate in from two days inside to two weeks in the ground. Cut 
leaves for drying in July before plants start to bloom. A second cut- 
ting may be gathered in about a month if the weather is not too dry. 
Tender and succulent Basils need more moisture than most herbs and 
are the first to suffer from frost. 
LEMON BALM—Melissa officinalis. Family: Labiatae. 
Users: Leaves used in teas, fruit drinks, sachets. 
DescripTION: Hardy perennial with rounded, heavily veined, light- 
green leaves. Small mint-like white flowers in axillary whorls are more 
conspicuous when they are only bright yellow buds. Lush, spreading 
two-foot tall foliage mingles with, but does not crowd its neighbors. 
Whole plant is redolent with a lemony scent. 
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