Description
50 Seeds per pack
Basil – Licorice – Licorice Basil (A.K.A. Anise Basil)
Days to Maturity: 60–75 Days
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Botanical Name: (Ocimum basilicum)
Though often confused with Thai Basil, Licorice Basil stands apart for its strong licorice and anise flavor, rounded out by notes of cinnamon and a touch of clove. Long grown for both its culinary and traditional uses, this variety has had a place in herb gardens for generations.
Plants grow 24–36″ tall and spread 12–18″ wide, forming a tidy, upright habit. It is well suited to garden beds, borders, or containers. Slender, bright green leaves—often brushed with purple—grow along deep purple stems, creating a vivid and eye-catching contrast. Edible lavender flower spikes appear mid to late summer, attracting bees and other pollinators to the garden.
Its bold, sweet-spiced flavor enhances a wide range of recipes, from teas and desserts to marinades and stir-fries, while the flowers make an elegant garnishes. Traditionally, it has also been valued for its medicinal qualities, believed to help with colds, stomach upset, and mild skin irritations.
An excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, it brings both beauty and flavor to the garden.
Disease Resistance: Downy Mildew.
Planting Instructions for Basil – Licorice Seeds
When to Plant:
Start Licorice Basil seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before your last expected frost date to get a jump on the season. In warm climates, you can also direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures stay consistently above 50°F (10°C). For a continuous harvest, sow new batches every 3–4 weeks through midsummer.
Where to Plant:
Licorice Basil thrives in full sun and needs at least 6 hours of direct light daily. Choose a warm, sheltered location with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. If growing in containers, use a high-quality potting mix and ensure your pot has drainage holes. Raised beds and greenhouses are also excellent options, especially in cooler regions.
How to Plant:
Sow Licorice Basil seeds ⅛″ (3 mm) deep either in seed trays or directly into garden soil. For direct sowing, space seeds 6–8″ apart and later thin seedlings to 10–12″ once they’ve grown a few sets of leaves. Indoors, transplant seedlings once they reach 3–4″ tall and have at least two sets of true leaves. Before transplanting outdoors, harden off the seedlings by gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions over the course of 7–10 days. Begin by placing them outside in a sheltered, shady spot for a few hours each day, slowly increasing their time outdoors and exposure to direct sunlight and wind. This process helps reduce transplant shock and ensures the plants adjust well to life outside, especially if moving from a warm indoor space to variable spring weather.
Growing Tips:
Water regularly but avoid soggy soil. Licorice Basil appreciates steady moisture, especially in containers, but hates wet feet. Use mulch to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues. Pinch off the top set of leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth and delay flowering. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks or work in compost to keep plants vigorous. Afternoon shade can help prolong harvest in hot climates.
Harvesting:
Begin harvesting once the plants are 6–8″ tall. Pick leaves regularly, starting from the top down, to promote branching and ongoing leaf production. Cut just above a leaf node to encourage new shoots. Remove any flower buds promptly unless you’re saving seed, as flowering reduces leaf quality. Toward the end of the season, harvest entire stems before the first frost is expected. You can use fresh leaves immediately or preserve them for later use.
Storage:
Use Licorice Basil fresh for the best flavor. Store short-term by placing stems in a glass of water at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, as cold temperatures cause the leaves to blacken. For long-term use, preserve Licorice Basil by freezing or drying. To freeze whole leaves, blanch them in boiling water for 3–4 seconds, transfer to an ice bath, dry thoroughly, then pack flat in plastic wrap and seal in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can also chop fresh Licorice Basil and mix with olive oil, then spoon into ice cube trays, freeze solid, and store cubes in resealable bags—ideal for sauces, soups, or vinaigrettes. For drying, use a dehydrator at 95°F (35°C), an oven at its lowest temperature with the door propped open, or hang bundles in a dry, well-ventilated place. Once dried and crumbly, store leaves in airtight containers away from light. Use within 6 months for best flavor.
Companion Plants:
Licorice Basil grows well with tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, chamomile, and oregano. Avoid planting near rue or sage, which may inhibit its growth.
Seed Saving:
To save seeds, allow a few basil plants to flower and go to seed. Once seed heads dry and turn brown on the plant, cut and store them in a paper bag. Allow them to dry fully in a cool, shaded area before threshing. Store cleaned seeds in a labeled envelope in a cool, dry place for next season. We also offer seed-saving envelopes for sale which include a designated space to write the variety name and harvest date, making them a convenient option for organized storage.
FAQ:
What makes Licorice Basil different from other basil varieties?
Licorice Basil stands out for its distinct flavor profile—strong licorice and anise notes with hints of cinnamon and clove. It’s often confused with Thai Basil but has a milder, sweeter spice and unique coloring with green and purple hues.
How should I start growing Licorice Basil—indoors or outdoors?
For best results, start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before your last frost date. Use warm soil (65–85°F), plant 2–3 seeds per inch, and thin seedlings once they reach 3–4 inches tall. You can also direct sow after frost has passed.
What kind of growing conditions does Licorice Basil need?
This basil thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture—avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as basil isn’t drought-tolerant.
How big does Licorice Basil get, and how should I space it when planting?
Licorice Basil grows 24–36 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide. In garden beds, space plants 4–8 inches apart with 18 inches between rows. For container gardening, plant one basil per 8–10 inch pot to allow enough room for growth and airflow. Its upright growth habit makes it ideal for both compact garden beds and patio pots.
What’s the best way to store Licorice Basil after harvest?
For short-term storage, wrap fresh Licorice Basil leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a sealed bag or container in the refrigerator. For long-term use, finely chop the leaves, freeze them in ice cube trays with olive oil, and use the cubes in cooked dishes. To dry the leaves, air dry them on a clean surface, use a dehydrator set to 95–115°F (35–46°C), or a low-temperature oven. Once fully dried and crisp, crumble and store in an airtight container away from light and heat.
What’s the best way to use Licorice Basil in cooking?
Its sweet, spiced flavor enhances teas, fruit salads, stir-fries, and marinades. It’s also great for infusing into oils and syrups
How do I save seeds from Licorice Basil?
Let flower spikes mature and dry on the plant. Snip the stalks, place them in a paper bag, and allow them to dry for 4–6 weeks. Shake and tap the bag to release the seeds.
How do I preserve Licorice Basil for long-term use?
To keep Licorice Basil fresh short-term, wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and store them in a sealed bag or container in the fridge. For long-term storage, finely chop the leaves, place them in ice cube trays, cover with olive oil, and freeze—perfect for tossing into soups, sauces, or sautés. To dry, either air dry the leaves, use a dehydrator set to 95–115°F (35–46°C), or a low-temperature oven. Once completely dried, crumble and store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Does Licorice Basil have any notable disease resistance?
Yes, Licorice Basil is known for its resistance to Downy Mildew, a common and often troublesome disease for basil growers. This resistance makes it a more dependable choice for gardens in humid or wet climates where mildew can be a recurring issue.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet