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Annual BiennialHerbs - Culinary

Ocimum basilicum 'Pluto'

basil 'Pluto'

'Pluto' is a bush-forming cultivar, producing small, even, dome-shaped plants to about 20cm, with fine mid-green leaves

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Ocimum can be aromatic annuals, evergreen perennials or shrubs with opposite, linear to broadly-ovate leaves and small tubular white or pinkish flowers in whorls forming a spike

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow as an annual, indoors, in moist but well drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Can move outdoors in summer. Best grown in a container. See basil cultivation for more information

Propagation

Propagate by seed in gentle heat in spring under glass or indoors, or sow in-situ in summer. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

Pinch out flowerheads as they appear to ensure continued leaf growth. Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and leafhoppers

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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