Unknown Basil Variety
$4.00
A mystery basil with excellent flavor — we are still working on identifying the exact cultivar. What we do know: it grows beautifully in our Big Pine climate, produces abundant aromatic leaves, and makes outstanding pesto.
Growing Tips
Basil is a warm-weather annual that hates cold — do not plant until nighttime temperatures are reliably above 50°F (late May/early June in Big Pine). Full sun, consistent moisture, and rich soil. Pinch off flower buds as they appear to prolong leaf production. Harvest from the top down, cutting just above a leaf pair to encourage branching. Basil does not store well fresh — make pesto and freeze it, or dry leaves for winter use.
Owens Valley only. Pickup in Big Pine or local delivery.
More Herbs
Rosemary
Aromatic, drought-tolerant rosemary — a perennial herb that earns its place in every garden. Wonderful for roasting meats, flavoring bread, infusing olive oil, and simply brushing past for the fragrance. Growing tips: Rosemary is a Mediterranean native that loves our dry Owens Valley climate. Once established, it needs very little water. Full sun, well-drained soil, and protection from the harshest winter winds are all it asks. In Big Pine, it may need winter mulching in exposed locations. One plant provides more rosemary than most cooks can use. Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. Excellent in containers on a sunny patio.
Garden Sage
Classic culinary sage with velvety, gray-green aromatic leaves. An essential herb for Thanksgiving stuffing, brown butter sauce, saltimbocca, sausage seasoning, and fall/winter cooking. Growing tips: Sage is a tough perennial that thrives in our dry, alkaline soil — conditions that many herbs love. Full sun and minimal water once established. Harvest regularly by snipping stems to encourage bushy growth. Sage is semi-evergreen in our climate and can often be harvested year-round with winter protection. The purple flowers in spring attract pollinators. Pair with butternut squash, pork, poultry, and white beans.
Mint
Refreshing, vigorous mint for mojitos, juleps, teas, tabbouleh, Vietnamese cooking, desserts, and just about everything else. One of the most useful and easiest herbs to grow — almost too easy. Varieties may include: Spearmint, Peppermint, Chocolate Mint, and other mint types. Growing tips: WARNING: Mint is an aggressive spreader. Grow it in containers or a dedicated bed where it cannot escape — we are not kidding about this. That said, it is nearly indestructible and provides unlimited harvests. Full sun to part shade, regular water. Harvest frequently by cutting stems — this keeps plants bushy and prevents flowering. Mint tea is as simple as steeping fresh leaves in hot water. Freeze extra leaves in ice cube trays for winter cocktails.
Peppermint
True peppermint with that strong, cooling menthol flavor — more intense than spearmint. Perfect for herbal teas, candy making, desserts, and aromatherapy. A wonderful digestive aid as tea after meals. Growing tips: Peppermint is a natural hybrid of spearmint and watermint. Like all mints, contain it in a pot or dedicated bed. It prefers slightly more moisture than other mints and appreciates afternoon shade in our hot Owens Valley summers. Harvest stems frequently. Dry extra leaves for winter tea — hang bundles upside down in a cool, dark place. Peppermint also repels many pests, making it a good companion plant around the garden perimeter.