Sow in June

🌿 Ocimum basilicum Basil ‘Gecofure’ – Compact Genovese-Type Basil Ideal for Pots and Containers

‘Gecofure’ is a compact Genovese basil variety specially selected for pot and container production. It forms dense, well-branched plants with medium-sized, glossy green leaves and a classic sweet basil aroma and flavour. Compared to standard Genovese basil, ‘Gecofure’ grows shorter and more uniform, making it perfect for windowsills, balconies, patio containers and supermarket-style pot basil. Excellent regrowth after cutting ensures a continuous harvest throughout the season.

Key Features

● Compact Genovese-type basil with classic sweet flavour

● Dense, uniform plants ideal for pot production

● Excellent regrowth after cutting

● Perfect for containers, windowsills and balconies

● Suitable for fresh use, pesto and Mediterranean dishes

How to Sow & Grow Basil ‘Gecofure’ (UK)

Sow indoors: III–V (March–May)

Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) once frost risk has passed

Direct outdoors: V–VI (May–June) in warm conditions

Harvest: VI–IX (June–September)

Life cycle: Annual

Germination temperature: 20–25 °C (68–77 °F)

Average germ time: 7–14 days

Depth: 0.5 cm (¼ in)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist

Environment: Full sun (warm, sheltered position)

Soil type: Fertile, well-drained compost or soil

Plant spacing: 15–20 cm (6–8 in)

Height: 20–30 cm (8–12 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Sow several seeds per pot for a full, bushy plant.

● Pinch regularly to prevent flowering and promote leaf growth.

● Grow indoors or under cover for best results in cooler climates.

● Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F).

● Harvest little and often for continuous production.

Special Features

● Specifically bred for compact pot production

● Classic Genovese basil flavour in a smaller plant

● Ideal for home kitchens and retail pot basil

Sorrel 'Bloody Dock' – Seeds (Rumex sanguineus)

Sorrel 'Bloody Dock' is a striking perennial herb known for its vibrant red-veined leaves and tangy, lemony flavor. Perfect for salads, soups, sauces, and garnishes, it adds both visual appeal and a refreshing zest to culinary creations.

Easy to grow and hardy, this variety thrives in garden beds, borders, or containers, providing both ornamental beauty and flavorful leaves throughout the growing season.

How to Grow

• Sow outdoors: March – June

• Plant spacing: 20–25 cm between plants

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil

• Care: Water regularly; remove older leaves to encourage new growth

Key Features

• Perennial herb with striking red-veined leaves

• Tangy, lemony flavor perfect for salads, soups, and sauces

• Hardy and easy to grow

• Suitable for garden beds, borders, or containers

• Adds both ornamental and culinary value

Harvest

• Harvesting period: 50–70 days after sowing

• Pick young leaves regularly for the best flavor and tender texture.

Short Tip

Harvest leaves from the outer edges to encourage continuous growth and maintain vibrant color.

Moldavian Dragonhead – Seeds (Dracocephalum moldavica)

The Moldavian Dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica) is a fragrant annual herb admired for its violet-blue flowers and aromatic lemon-scented foliage. Highly attractive to bees and butterflies, it makes a charming addition to herb gardens, borders, and pollinator-friendly spaces. Its leaves are sometimes used for teas with a refreshing citrus flavor.

Why Grow Moldavian Dragonhead?

• Violet-blue blooms with a pleasant lemon fragrance

• Excellent for pollinators, especially bees

• Easy to grow and low maintenance

• Useful as an ornamental and herbal plant

Ideal For

• Herb gardens

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Borders and cottage gardens

• Aromatic tea lovers

Key Features

• Type: Annual herb

• Height: 40–60 cm

• Spread: 20–30 cm

• Flowering: June–August

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Light, well-drained

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: March–April, lightly cover seeds

• Germination: 7–14 days at 18–22°C

• Transplant outdoors: After frost risk has passed

• Direct sow outdoors: April–May

• Spacing: 25–30 cm apart

Tip: Regular deadheading encourages longer flowering and stronger aroma.

Summer Savory 'Midget' – Seeds (Satureja hortensis)

Summer Savory ‘Midget’ is a compact, fast-growing annual herb, prized for its spicy, peppery flavour that resembles thyme and oregano. This dwarf variety is especially suited for container growing, raised beds, and small herb gardens.

Traditionally used to season bean dishes, meats, soups, and stews, it is also excellent fresh or dried as a versatile culinary herb. With its neat, bushy growth habit and aromatic leaves, ‘Midget’ is both decorative and useful in the kitchen.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: March – April in pots or trays

• Sow outdoors: April – June, directly into prepared soil

• Depth: Lightly cover seeds with soil (approx. 0.5 cm)

• Spacing: 20–25 cm between plants

• Position: Sunny, well-drained spot

• Soil: Light, sandy, moderately fertile

Key Features

• Compact dwarf variety – ideal for pots and small spaces

• Distinct peppery flavour – a classic bean seasoning

• Culinary herb for meats, stews, soups, and sauces

• Can be used fresh or dried

• Hardy, quick-growing, and easy to maintain

Harvesting

• Harvest from: June – September

• Pick fresh leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

• For winter use, cut and dry whole sprigs just before flowering.