Greek Basil is a compact bush, globe shaped, with small rounded leaves and holds its shape for the whole season. Good basil flavour.

A perennial plant in the tropics, it is frost tender and is grown as a half-hardy annual in temperate zones.

It is a very good plant to grow in the house or greenhouse, its aromatic foliage helps reduce problems caused by insect pests. It requires a good summer in Britain if it is to do well outdoors. Bush basil is a good companion plant for tomatoes but it grows badly with rue and sage. When grown near raspberries it can retard their fruiting.

The growing or dried plant is an effective insect repellent. It is a good plant to grow in the home, where it repels flies, or in the greenhouse where it can keep all manner of insect pests away from nearby plants.

It has been used in the past as a strewing herb.

As a herbal remedy, bush basil has a milder action than sweet basil and is used mainly in the treatment of flatulence and griping pain in the digestive system.

Prefers a rich light well-drained to dry soil. Requires a sunny sheltered position if grown outdoors. Tolerates a pH in the range 5 - 8.

Sow mid to late spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination is usually free and quick, prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If growing basil outdoors, plant out after the last expected frosts.