Basil – Greek Columnar
Ocimum citriodorum 'Lesbos'

Zone: Not hardy; grow as an annual
Height: 8-14"
Description:

General:Upright growing Sweet Basil with an unusual scent - it's floral, it's spicy and has just a hint of citrus all on the same plant. Flowers infrequently. Its bolder flavor makes it a nice addition to heartier dishes such as stew.

Culinary Uses: The uses are the same as they are for sweet basil, the flavor being identical. As columnar basil grows to a considerable size, this variety is perfect for producing large volumes of leaves for pesto production. Leaves can also be dried and used out of season.

Medicinal Uses: A restorative calming herb that can help relax spasms, lower fevers, improve digestion, and is effective in controlling bacterial infections and intestinal parasites.

Ornamental Uses: This basil is unusually tall for a basil but remaining quite thin giving it a "column-like" appearance. This variety rarely blooms, so pinching flowers is hardly needed. The neat upright habit is ideal for formal gardens, courtyards, and balconies. The variety is also suited to pot culture, feature planting, or hedging.

Uses*: , , , ,
*Research all plants before use. Silverleaf doesn't condone or endorse any medicinal plant use. Any one planning to use plants for medical purposes should check with a physician first.