With truly warm (dare we say “hot”?!) weather arriving soon, we are reminded that it is almost time to plant basil. Basil has been a favorite herb of cooks for centuries. It is a window sill herb in many Mediterranean households. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an annual from the Mediterranean region that grows 1 to 2 feet tall. It is genus name is the ancient Greek word for “king”. This small bush, deep green plant prefers full sun and warm temperatures to grow well. It is commonly associated with Italian cooking, especially pesto, but there are many more uses beyond the kitchen.
