(Ocimum basilicum)
Basil has been cultivated since the time of ancient Greece. Loved for its rumoured medicinal value and cursed for its “effects on the senses”, it has become one of the most frequently cultivated herbs of all time and place. In France, c.1600, it was even given the status of Royalty. Basil is an excellent companion plant for Tomatoes, helping them ward-off bugs, disease, and improving vitality and some say, even flavour. To this day, most seed houses report that basil ranks near the top on their list of best sellers!