Basil plants from supermarket

JillS_2

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

But maybe not next week! Lidl will be having herb, veg and flower seeds on special offer as of next Monday. I think they were going to price them at 49p per packet. If not next week, then they definitely start stocking basil seeds in Spring along with a lot of other lovely herbs

I have to admit I'm not really au fait with when seeds begin to be stocked - I nearly always start my gardening a bit late and then struggle for the rest of the year trying to catch up. I don't know whether any of the local supermarkets and Wilkos will be having seeds in this early. I know they seem to get rid of them by about June or July - annoying if you suddenly realise you want to do something that doesn't need sowing until late in the year. Sadly I don't have a Lidl near me.

ALIBOBSY

I got some basil seeds in Netto a couple of weeks ago, for 19p, but they may not have any leftnow (think it was from 7th Jan onwards they were on sale).

Another thing I find helps with basil is to water the pot from underneath so the top roots don't get waterlogged. You need to keep pinching off the tops to keep it growing, so if you aren't using it then you can freeze it for furture use. Either loose or in ice cube trays with a bit of water.

ali x

BTW the lidl seeds are on from the 28th as per the website, I think last time the basil was in the 29p small packs, but there is loads of herbs and veggies available hurrah, seed planting time i love it. Think Aldi are getting theirs in shortly as well, but not as big a selection as Lidl (but recomend the little gem seeds from Aldi-grew loads last year, some to have as whole "heads" some in pots as cut and come again).

tandraig

I too struggle with the supermarket variety! come to the conclusion they are special varieties which wont grow any bigger, and go yellow at the slightest provocation!
So, I bought a packet of basil seeds from Wilkinsons last year - sowed a few as per instructions - and struggled to cope with the harvest! as fast as i cut them down, they grow again! must love my kitchen window sill! and the taste.........so much better than the supermarket variety! I can smell them when i go into the kitchen - wonderful. nearly a year on and its only now the plant is looking a bit peaked. time to sow some more i think!
If your windowsills arent suitable hun, do you mind the plant in living room bedroom or bathroom? it just needs daylight and watering (from underneath as another poster said) and feeding after about six weeks.