Mr Fothergill's Basil Sweet Seeds, The classic best known basil. For maximum flavour leaves should be added to cooked dishes at the last minute. Remove flowers to prolong picking.

Sow indoors all year round for indoor crops and March to May for outdoor crops. Sow 0.5cm deep, in small pots of compost. Water well and place in a warm position. A temperature of 15-20°C. is ideal. Seedlings usually appear in 7-14 days. Grow on in cooler, but not cold conditions. For outdoor crops, accustom plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out 20cm apart. Alternatively, plants can be grown on a light windowsill. Or sow outdoors, for ease, where they are to crop, 0.5cm deep directly into finely prepared soil. Thin seedlings to 20cm apart. For a continuous supply, make sowings at two to three weekly intervals. Harvesting: Leaves are best picked just before use. (Outdoor crops from June).

• A half hardy annual, can be grown in pots
• Probably the best known, large leaved sweet basil
• Used for pesto and served with salads the world over

Sow time: Jan-Dec
Flowering/Harvesting time: Jan-Dec