HOLY BASIL—Ocimum sanctum, has dull serrated leaves and the 
whole plant is covered with glandular hairs. It 
reaches two fcet in height and possesses a character- 
istic pungent odor which becomes very sweet when 
the plant is dry. The bees seem to gather only pollen 
from the pinkish blossoms, perhaps the scent is too 
- carrion for their taste. In India this Basil is sacred 
i Mitt. to Vishnu and a pot of it is kept in every temple. 
Holy Basil salu packet 

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. 
‘Purple Basil 15 packet 
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 
lie 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. 
qttll Miry., 
CuttivaTIon: 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 Basil .25 packet 
