Basil 'Pistou'

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

Plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water moderately. Pistou is generally regarded as a half hardy plant, so it will require protection in frosts and low temperatures. Pistou 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.

Sow at a depth of approx. 0.12 inches (0.3 cm) and aim for a distance of at least 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) between Basil plants. For optimal germination, soil temperature should be a minimum of 10°C / 50°F.

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

Plant out when frost risk has passed.

Pistou 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 Pistou 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.