Minette Basil Seeds

Days to Maturity: 65

Minette is one of the most eye-catching basils you will ever see. It creates perfect 10-inch spheres of bright green that stay compact and uniform all season. Minette is ideal for edging, miniature knot gardens, or in containers. Pick the flavorful leaves and use fresh or dried in tomato dishes, pasta sauces, vegetables, and soups. You can also use it in the garden as a companion plant to repel aphids, mites, and tomato hornworms.

This variety grows only 10 inches high and wide, creating a perfectly uniform sphere. The tiny medium green leaves are only 1/2-inch long. Small spikes of white flowers arise in summer; if you are growing Minette for culinary purposes, pinch off the buds. If it is an ornamental or guard plant in your garden, let the flowers open and the butterflies visit.

Begin the seeds either indoors in late winter or direct-sow in spring. To start indoors, sow about 6 to 8 weeks before las