Cardinal's' richly colored blooms and robust flavor make it a wonderful dual-purpose basil. With its strong aroma, a little goes a long way in the kitchen. But it's also a striking accent in a mixed container, adding a unique shape, color, and fragrance. Bring its beauty indoors as a fragrant cut flower.

Variety Info

• Family: Laminaceae
• Native: Probably Africa, but in cultivation for so long that it cannot be verified.
• Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
• Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Plant Dimensions: About 24" tall and 20" wide.
• Variety Info: Denser flowerheads, more lush foliage, and stronger fragrance than other basils.
• Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Edible Flower, Good for Containers

Sowing Info

• When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F, ideally 65°–85°F. Successive Sowings: We recommend 3 or 4 successive sowings every 3 weeks after initial sowing.

• When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outside. Transplant when your nighttime temperatures are above 50°F.
• Days to Emerge: 5–10 Days
• Seed Depth: ¼"
• Seed Spacing: A group of 2 seeds every 12"
• Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 12"