sweet basil

Treat as an annual and grow in a light, well-drained, fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Best grown containerised. May be grown as a short-lived sub-shrub if over-wintered under glass. Water freely in summer

Pinch out flowerheads as they appear to ensure continued leaf growth. Cut back after flowering

Propagate by seed sown in gentle heat in early spring or sown in-situ in summer

Can get leafhoppers and aphids; slugs and snails may also be problematic

May be affected by powdery mildews