Herbs - Basil to Borage
Basil
(Ocimum basilicum)
A half-hardy annual that grows to 1ft (30cm) high.
It is fairly delicate and is best grown under glass, grown outdoors; it needs a very hot sunny space.
Sow seeds in spring. Pinching out the flowers as they form will prolong the life of the plant by stopping it going to seed and encouraging fresh young growth.
Harvesting
Pick leaves as required. They can be dried but the flavour tends to be different in dried leaves.
Uses
Used in cooking, basil complements tomato and egg dishes. It is used in most Italian recipes.
Bay
(Laurus nobilis)
Bay takes the form of a tree that can grow to over 12ft (3.5m) in 10 years. It bears small yellow flowers in spring followed by purple berries later in the summer. It is not hardy, so will need protection from frost in winter. For this reason it is usually grown as a potted plant so that it can be moved to a frost-free place.
It can also be clipped into ornamental shapes and is ideal for a balcony or patio area. It can be grown from seeds sown in spring but is usually purchased as a small plant.
Harvesting
Pick fresh leaves as required. They can be dried but need to be done so in a dark place to retain their colour.
Uses
Used in cooking for marinades, stocks, soups and stews.
Bergamot
(Monarda didyma)
A decorative and fragrant perennial that grows to a height of 3ft (90cm). The flowers are similar to honeysuckle and range in colour from white to pink, purple and red.
It requires a moist fertile soil and will tolerate light shade. Seeds sown in summer will germinate easily or it can be propagated by root division in spring or by cuttings in the autumn.
Harvesting
Pick leaves or flowers as required. They can be dried but need to be done so in a dark place to retain their colour. Uses Used fresh in salads and in cooking for pork dishes.
Borage
(Borago officianalis)
An annual that grows to a height of 2-3ft (60-90cm). The stems and leaves are hairy and the flowers are blue. The fresh leaves have a slight cucumber type taste.
It requires a moist fertile soil and will tolerate light shade but prefers light sunshine.
Seeds sown in spring will reach maturity in 5-6 week and will seed freely.
Harvesting
Pick fresh leaves or flowers as required.
Uses
Used fresh in salads, as a flavouring in wine cups such as Pimms or in apple juice. The flowers can be candied and used as decorations for cakes.
© copyright 1999, P. A. Owen
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