Basil Red Boza

Basil Red Boza Seeds: Compact & Aromatic

Discover the beauty and flavor of Basil ‘Red Boza’ (*Ocimum basilicum*), a compact basil variety boasting large, intensely aromatic blue-purple leaves.

These striking leaves offer a robust, classic basil flavor that enhances a wide range of dishes, whether used fresh or dried. Imagine adding their vibrant color and taste to salads, enriching pasta and rice dishes, or even infusing them into flavorful basil vinegar. Beyond its culinary appeal, Red Boza produces attractive pink flowers that are a magnet for beneficial bees, adding ecological value to your garden.

For optimal growth, sow seeds from August onwards. This basil thrives in containers within a glasshouse or on a sunny windowsill but can also be planted outdoors from October in cooler weather, provided it’s in a sheltered spot with full sun.

Key Features of Basil Red Boza

• Large Blue-Purple Leaves: Offers a striking visual appeal with intensely aromatic foliage.
• Robust Basil Flavor: Provides a classic and versatile taste for various culinary uses.
• Attracts Bees: The attractive pink flowers are beneficial for pollinators.
• Compact Growth Habit: Ideal for container gardening and smaller spaces.
• Quick Cropping & Late Harvest: Excels in trials, offering fast and extended harvests.
• Dual Use: Fragrant leaves for cooking and flower spikes for floral arrangements.

Growing Your Basil Red Boza

Sow your Basil ‘Red Boza’ seeds from August onwards. For container growing, use a well-draining potting mix and place in a glasshouse or on a sunny windowsill.

Seeds can also be sown directly outdoors from October when the weather is cool, choosing a sheltered location that receives full sun. Sow seeds shallowly, about 1/4 inch deep, and gently cover 70-80 Fahrenheit. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs, typically within 7-14 days. Thin seedlings if necessary to allow for adequate air circulation and growth.

Water regularly, especially during warmer periods, and harvest leaves as needed to encourage continued production.