(Ocymuin.) There are two kinds, the Sweet-scented (O. basilicum), and the Dwarf-bush (O. minimum).

Soil And Situation

They thrive most in a rich light soil, entirely free from any overshadowing body; but they require, especially for the earliest plants, a sheltered border.

Time And Mode Of Sowing

They are propagated by seed, which may be sown in a gentle hot-bed, with the shelter of a frame at the close of March, or early in April; to be thinned, and those removed pricked out at the close of this latter month in a similar situation, to be tin ally removed in the course of May or commencement of June, when settled weather, in the open ground. This sowing may be repeated at the close of April, or beginning of May, on a warm border, to be pricked and finally planted out, after a lapse of about five weeks respectively between each operation.

When thinned, the seedlings must be left at three inches apart, and those removed pricked out at a similar distance. The final planting must be made in rows a foot apart each way. Some plants of all the sowing may be left where raised, to be gathered from whilst young. Water must be given at every removal, as well as during every stage of their growth, when dry weather occurs. Weeds must be kept under, as well as the plants benefited by frequent hoeing.

The young leaf tops are the parts made use of in soups and salads, their flavour resembling that of cloves.

The supply is never failing during summer, as they shoot out rapidly for successive supplies.

To Obtain Seed

Some of the earliest raised plants must be left ungathered from. These flower from July to September, and accordingly ripen their seed in early or late autumn.