Why was basil added to nosegays?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

July 7, 2003

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Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum Linnaeus) [os' i mum ba sil' i cum] is a fragrant herb native to the Old World tropics—central Africa or Southeast Asia. Basil has been cultivated for so long and introduced to so many countries that its nativity is uncertain. It is a highly polymorphic (many forms) plant with at least sixty known varieties ranging from the 'regular' basil to lemon, licorice, cinnamon, and camphor scented. To further confuse matters, taxonomic authorities estimate that there are anywhere from fifty to one hundred-fifty species of Ocimum and many hybridize with sweet basil.

Sweet Basil Herbs Hearty Aroma and Flavor. A truly intriguing mix of flavors--offers subtle hints of mint, cloves and anise. Extremely popular in salads and vegetable dishes. Sweet Basil is an annual. 85 DAYS. No. 1 plants.

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Sweet basil has been both reviled and praised. The plant was once thought to attract or even breed scorpions. In A Modern Herbal (1931), Mrs. Grieve related the belief, "if a sprig of Basil were left under a pot it would in time turn to a scorpion. Superstition went so far as to affirm that even smelling the plant might bring a scorpion into the brain." In 1597, John Gerard (The Herbal) wrote, "There be that (those who) shunne Basill and will not eat thereof, because that if it be chewed and laid in the Sun, it engendereth wormes."

In the belief that like-attracts-like, if basil could attract scorpions, then it would pull the venom out of a bite or sting. Gerard recommended, "The juice mixed with fine meale of parched Barly, oile of roses and Vinegar, is good against inflammations, and the stinging of venomous beasts....They of Africke do also affirme, that they who are stung of the Scorpion and have eaten of it, shall feele no paine at all."

Basil "drunk in wine of Chios (a Greek island) or strong Sacke (dry, light-colored wine), is good against headache." Ladies often carried a sprig of basil in their nosegays; it was believed, as Gerard wrote, "a remedie for melancholicke people....the smell of Basill is good for the heart and for the head....cureth the infirmities of the heart, taketh away sorrowfulnesse...and maketh a man merry and glad."

The College of Agriculture at the University of Kentucky has posted of photograph of three varieties of sweet basil—the regular basil, Siam Queen, and Purple Ruffles—growing next to each other. To view the photograph, click on the link:

http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Horticulture/gardenflowers/oaoz.htm#Ocimum

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Rosemary Herbs

Gurney's Seed and Nursery®

Ever-Popular Poultry Seasoning

Narrow, spiky leaves have a piney, bittersweet flavoring that's a must for roast chicken. Favored scent for spicy potpourris, too. Grows as an annual in the North. 85 DAYS.

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Comments: Annual. Semi-evergreen, shrub-type plant. Light blue flowers in April-May. Valued for culinary and ornamental uses. Repels insects. Piney-mint flavor and aroma.

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Mint Mix Herbs

Gurney's Seed and Nursery®

Easy to Grow, Great for Tea

Refreshing blend for flavoring candies, tea, ice cream and punch! You get 1 each:

fruity applemint
icy spearmint
cool peppermint

All grow 1-2 feet tall.

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Comments: Includes: Applemint-(Mentha suaveciens), spearmint (mentha spicata) and peppermint. Spearmint-(Mentha spicata) Peppermint-(Mentha x peperita) Easy to grow varieties. Harvest as needed. Perennial plants.

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Large-Leafed Italian Basil Herbs

Gurney's Seed and Nursery®

Big and Really Delicious

Broad, crinkled oval leaves are nicely spicy. The favorite traditional flavoring for many Italian dishes--the perfect companion for tomatoes! Large- Leafed Italian Basil is excellent fresh or dried.

Easy to grow, slow to bolt. 90 DAYS.

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Comments: Crinkly, large, broad, oval leaves which are medium dark green in color. Popular commercial variety. Annual. Spicy flavor. Slow bolting.

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French Tarragon Herbs

Gurney's Seed and Nursery®

Prized by Good Cooks

Tender shoots and leaves with peppery, anise-like flavor and a hint of vanilla. A gourmet favorite for seasoning meats, sauces and piquant wine vinegars.

Easy-care perennial grows 2-3 feet tall, spreads slowly. No. 1 plant.

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Comments: Prefers full sun. Peppery/anise flavor. Dig and split root every 2 years. Fragrant, easy-care perennial. Perfect for windowsill gardens.

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