Boxwood basil, with its upright shape and tiny, boxwood-like leaves, is a departure from the standard, bushy basil plant. Boxwood basil is especially useful for gardeners who appreciate the plant's more restrained appearance, or for gardeners who like the idea of pruning basil into a topiary shape. In spite of the different shape, the flavor and aroma of boxwood basil is no different than regular basil and is delicious in a variety of dishes, including salads, Italian sauces and pesto. Like regular basil, boxwood basil is a natural for container growing. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Purchase a small basil plant at a garden center or nursery that specializes in herbs. Select a small, compact boxwood basil with even green coloration. Avoid tall, spindly plants and plants with yellow leaves.
2. Plant boxwood basil in a container filled with a good quality, well-drained potting mixture. Commercial mixtures work well, but a handful of sand or perlite improves drainage. Use a container with a drainage hole to prevent problems caused by soggy soil.
3. Place boxwood basil in a sunny spot. If your boxwood basil is located outdoors during the summer, bring the plant indoors before the first frost in autumn.
4. Pinch the growing tips of the boxwood basil plant at planting time, as pinching the tips creates an attractive, bushy plant. Continue pinching the new growing tips until the plant has achieved the desired level of fullness. Keep boxwood basil neat by pinching off dead leaves. Use kitchen or garden shears to trim the plant enough to maintain the desired shape and size, or to remove sprigs of basil for culinary use.
5. Water boxwood basil when the soil feels dry. Add water until water drips through the drainage hole, then allow the excess water to drain completely before replacing the pot on the drainage saucer. Never allow the pot to stand in water, and never allow the soil to remain soggy, as boxwood basil is prone to rot in excessively wet soil. Don't water again until the soil feels dry.
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