Dwarf Compact Fine Green Basil Seeds Vilmorin - Ideal for Pots

Dwarf Compact Fine Green Basil Vilmorin (Reference: 5872746) represents the very best of French herb seed. This compact variety, specially selected by Vilmorin, heir to a seed-growing tradition of more than 270 years, combines the exceptional eating qualities of traditional basil with a dwarf habit perfectly suited to growing in confined spaces.

Benefits and uses

Dwarf compact fine green basil is for amateur gardeners and demanding cooks alike who are after a first-rate kitchen herb. Its compact size makes it ideal for growing in window boxes, tubs on a terrace, window sills or small urban gardens. Catering professionals value its steady production and its intense lemon-tarragon flavour.

This variety excels alongside southern dishes: pizzas, pasta, ratatouilles, pistou soups. The fresh leaves elevate summer salads, tomato and mozzarella, vegetable carpaccios. Infused in olive oil, basil creates outstanding dressings. Its toughness and productivity make it a favoured choice for growing your own herbs at home.

Technical features and innovation

This Vilmorin herb seed comes from a rigorous selection that guarantees an optimal germination rate and varietal uniformity. The dwarf compact habit keeps the height to 20-25 cm while producing dense, fragrant foliage. The leaves, smaller than those of large-leaved basil, concentrate more essential oils.

The variety has an excellent resistance to the diseases common to basil and adapts remarkably well to being grown in containers. Its controlled growth avoids the problems of excessive development met with traditional basils. Its late flowering extends the period for picking tender leaves.

Compatible with every kind of well-drained growing medium, this variety suits organic as well as conventional growing. Its toughness allows a crop from May to October outdoors, with the option of extending it in a greenhouse or conservatory.

Sowing, use and care

Sowing dwarf compact fine green basil is done from March to June, in pots under cover or directly in place after the last frosts. Sow 0.5 cm deep in a light, moist medium at a temperature of 18-20°C. Germination takes 10-15 days. Transplant the young plants once they reach 4-5 cm, allowing a spacing of 20 cm.

For a successful crop in pots, use containers of at least 3 litres with effective drainage. Basil likes regular watering but without excess: the medium should stay cool without becoming waterlogged. Place the plants in a sunny position, sheltered from strong winds.

Care consists of pinching out the tips regularly to encourage branching and delay bolting. Remove the flowers as soon as they appear, to keep the tender leaves coming. A liquid feed every fortnight boosts growth. Pick leaf by leaf or in small bunches, preferably in the morning.

Tips, pairings and expert advice

To get the most flavour, pick the basil just before use and avoid washing it if you can. The leaves keep for a few days in the fridge, wrapped in kitchen paper. For longer keeping, go for freezing the shredded leaves in ice-cube trays with a little olive oil.

Pair basil with other Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, thyme or rosemary to create your own herb blends. In the ground, it goes perfectly with tomatoes, improving their taste through companion planting. Avoid planting it near rue and sage, which can hold back its growth.

A chef's tip: never cook basil — always add it at the end of the preparation to preserve its volatile aromas. For an outstanding home-made pesto, use only the young leaves from the heart, which are more tender and less bitter. At the end of the season, harvest generously to make flavoured oils or seasoned salts that will keep the taste of your basil all winter.

Technical specifications