Basil, Cardinal

Cardinal Basil is easily one of my top 5 favorite plants to grow every year.  Why?  She's not only ornamental, but unique and you're not likely to see this variety walking thru your neighborhood.  Not to mention, easy to grow, thrives in our climate and is just as delicious as any other basil variety! 

Flavor-wise, Cardinal Basil is a bit bolder than the average Genovese type, but honestly, you don't really notice it when you're eating it.  Favorite recipes to use cardinal basil in: basil garlic compound butter, basil-infused simple syrup (hello fun cocktails + mocktails!) caprese, vinaigrettes.   

Favorite plant color combos:

Cardinal Basil + Czech Black Jalapeno Pepper 
Cardinal Basil + Joy's Midnight Chard 
Cardinal Basil + Raspberry Burst Tomato

Cardinal Basil grows to about 24" tall, with narrow upright shoulders.  The plant has deep burgundy-colored stems and thick, oval, bright-green leaves. When mature*, it produces tightly-packed, pagoda-shaped flower clusters at the crown of its stems that range in color from magenta to dark red.  
*Cardinal Basil is a late bloomer, so patience is key here.  When you purchase this beautiful basil start, she'll "just" look green.  Transformation generally starts in August, and it is 100% worth the wait! 

Basil thrives in full sun and fertile, well draining soil.  Mulching at the base of the plant helps to retain soil moisture & suppresses weeds.  Container friendly.  

• Days to Maturity: 70 - 85
• Companion Plants: Asters, Beans, Chives, Parsley, Peppers, Tomatoes
  
• Open-Pollinated 
• Plant Spacing: 6 - 8" 

Photo Credit: Jess Page