For those looking for a more efficient way to maintain fresh basil in their garden, let me introduce our version of PERMA BASIL, also known as basil mint. This incredible plant offers all the aromatics and taste of your favorite basil with a subtle hint of mint. It’s greatest advantage is that it’s a true perennial, coming back year after year. No need for yearly replanting and it’s in the mentha family, so it practically grows itself. It's a hardy, consistent performer that brings both flavor and convenience to your summer veggie gardening. (Mentha x piperita f.citrata 'Basil')
Why We Love It
Here are some of the reasons why we love Basil Mint:
1) PERENNIAL POWERHOUSE - Basil mint offers the luxury of its aromatic presence year after year without the hassle of annual replanting.
2) AMAZING FLAVOR - this plant imparts a distinctive flavor, marrying the best of basil and mint, which adds a unique twist to culinary dishes.
3) PERFECT FOR CONTAINERS - For those with limited space, it's perfect for container gardening, thriving in pots and bringing its vibrant character to balconies and patios.
How to Grow It
Here's how to grow Basil Mint:
| SUN | FULL OR PART SUN |
| MOISTURE | LOVES MOIST, WELL-DRAINED SOIL |
| GROWING ZONES | PERENNIAL USDA 3-9 (Not sure? Find your growing zone here) |
| SIZE | 18-24" tall and will spread via underground runners to form a thick carpet of Basil mint. |
| PRO TIP |
Mints love to spread, so if you’d like to keep it contained, consider growing in a pot. We like to grow it in half wine barrels. Cut back frequently to help it grow thicker and bushier. |
How to Harvest & Use It
You can harvest Basil Mint any time of season. The key is to harvest often to encourage full growth of your plant. Cut just above a set of leaf nodes so the plant can respond with putting on a new flush of growth. When using fresh, I strip the leaves from the stalk. For pestos or any recipe where the basil mint will be ground or pulverized, I throw it into the blender or food processor stalks and all.