Basil, Akoko Mesa

(Ocimum basilicum) One of our favorite new arrivals in the Baker Creek trial gardens! This plant is a native herb that originated in Ghana, West Africa, where it’s been used in many dishes and medicinal preparations for hundreds of years. This is one of the most common plants seen in every home of the Ghanaian people because of its numerous uses. This variety from Ghana is named Akoko Mesa because it is used for preparing poultry. The name Akoko Mesa means “chicken dance.”

• 8-12 hours of Sun
• Sprouts in 6-10 Days
• Ideal Temperature: 70-85 Degrees F
• Seed Depth: 1/4"
  
• Plant Spacing: 8-12"
• Frost Hardy: No
• Ocimum basilicum
  

Growing Tips: Thrives in heat. May be sown in place in long-summer areas, or started indoors and set out after last-frost date of spring. Remove flower buds promptly to prolong harvest.