The symbol of love, it is given by a lover to their loved one as a token of their fidelity. In India the basil plant is revered as sacred and the Hindus plant a pot of basil as a symbol of reverence for their dead. Originating in the region of Greece and Italy, it found its way to North America as early as the 1600s being cultivated in Newfoundland. Basil is a very hardy annual and will grow in practically all climates. Basil may be planted in the ground after all danger of frost is past.
Basil enjoys dry, well drained soil with plenty of sun.
Germination takes only 7 days and the plant will grow rather rapidly. I enjoy using basil, quite often.