Description

Siena is a sturdy Italian basil with aroma typical of Genovese types. It is moderately resistant to Downy Mildew and tolerates cold in the field better than most basil varieties. It is very productive in part due to vigorous branching. It has medium dark green, medium-large leaves and a pleasing aroma. It grows fast while also being very slow to flower. The internodes are close together for plant sales or hydroponic production, but far enough apart to bunch. Branching is unusually good so it will take fewer seeds to fill a pot.

Culinary Benefits: Basil is an herb in the mint family. It adds flavor to meals, while cutting acidity in certain dishes including tomato-based recipes: pizza topping, pasta finishing, sauce blending, and raw in a salad. Basil is also used as a culinary component for cocktails, mocktails, and the like.

Health Benefits: Basil contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Health benefits of basil include reduction of oxidative stress along with anti-viral and anti-bacterial benefits.

Seed Characteristics