Marseille Basil Seeds Vilmorin - Lemon-Tarragon Flavour

Marseille Basil Vilmorin (Reference: 5873246) - This emblematic variety of the Mediterranean basin lets you grow at home one of the aromatic plants most valued in Provençal cooking. Native to India, where it was considered sacred, this plant has adapted perfectly to the climate of southern France. Vilmorin seed guarantees optimal quality and a high germination rate for a successful herb crop.

Culinary uses and nutritional benefits

Marseille basil stands out for its complex lemon-tarragon flavours, which bring incomparable freshness to your cooking. This variety is particularly prized by chefs and lovers of Mediterranean food for its subtle, lingering aroma. The fresh leaves elevate summer salads, raw tomato dishes, grilled fish and white meats, and every sauce made with olive oil.

Beyond its culinary qualities, Marseille basil has recognised antioxidant properties and is a natural source of vitamin K, manganese and iron. It also aids digestion thanks to its essential oils. Growing your own herbs lets you enjoy all these benefits while cutting back on commercially processed herbs, which are often less fragrant.

Botanical characteristics and growth cycle

This variety of basil, Ocimum basilicum, has a compact, bushy habit reaching 40 to 60 cm in height at maturity. Its oval leaves of an intense green measure 3 to 5 cm in length and give off their characteristic scent from the earliest age. Flowering comes in summer with the appearance of white flower spikes, which are best pinched out to encourage leafy growth.

Marseille basil is a heat-loving annual that needs temperatures between 15°C and 25°C for the best development. Its rapid growth allows a first picking 6 to 8 weeks after sowing. Vilmorin seed is selected for its resistance to the diseases common to basil, such as downy mildew and damping-off, which makes the crop easier even for beginners.

Growing and optimal sowing techniques

Marseille basil is sown from March to May under cover, then from May to July directly outdoors depending on your region. For sowing in pots, use a well-drained seed compost and hold a temperature of 18-20°C. Sow the seeds 0.5 cm deep, spacing them 2-3 cm apart. Germination usually takes 8 to 15 days with regular but moderate watering.

Planting out for good happens after the last frosts, spacing the plants 25-30 cm apart. Basil likes a rich, well-drained soil and a sunny to partly shaded position. An organic mulch around the base holds the moisture and keeps weeds down. Watering should be regular but without excess, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent fungal disease. A liquid feed every 2-3 weeks boosts leaf production.

Expert advice and crop pairings

To get the most from your Marseille basil harvest, use the technique of pinching out the flower buds regularly, which concentrates the plant's energy on leaf production. Pick preferably in the morning once the dew has gone, for maximum aroma. Cut the stems just above a pair of leaves to encourage new shoots and extend the picking season until the first frosts.

In companion planting, basil works wonders beside tomatoes, deterring some of their pests while improving their flavour. It also goes well with aubergines, courgettes and peppers. Avoid planting near rue and sage, which can hold back its growth. For keeping, go for drying in the shade or freezing the shredded leaves in olive oil, a technique that preserves the aroma perfectly. The seeds can also be saved at the end of the season for your future sowings, provided you let a few plants run to seed.

Technical specifications