Basil 'Licorice'

Pinch terminal shoots to encourage branching.
Harvest leaves before flowering occurs, or they will be bitter.

Licorice likes a position of full sun and remember to water moderately. Licorice is generally regarded as a half hardy plant, so it will need protecting in periods of cold weather. Licorice needs a loamy, sandy and silty soil with a ph of 6.0 to 7.5 (weakly acidic soil to weakly alkaline soil).

Cover with finely sieved compost.

Aim to sow 0.12 inches (0.3 cm) deep and try to ensure a gap of at least 0.5 inches (1.27 cm). For optimal germination, soil temperature should be a minimum of 10°C / 50°F.

By our calculations, you should look at sowing Licorice about 20 days before your last frost date.

Plant out when frost risk has passed.

Licorice is half hardy, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside.

By our calculations, you should look at planting out Licorice about 21 days after your last frost date.

This variety tends to mature and be ready for harvest in mid summer.

The word basil means “king” in Greek – it is believed to have grown above the spot where St. Constantine and Helen discovered the Holy Cross.

Jewish folklore says that basil adds strength while fasting.

Anise, Persian