We hope you enjoy your basil plants as a thank-you for the important role you’re playing in the fight to end breast cancer. Support like yours gives all of us hope for a future without breast cancer!
Tips for Planting Your Seeds of Hope
- Basil grows best in sunny, dry sites with sandy soil, but can also grow in a container or salad table.
- Plant basil seeds in your garden or containers after all danger of frost has passed. For earlier plants, start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in your area.
- Sow seeds in a sunny spot 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
- Water seedlings gently every 1 to 2 days, and don’t let them dry out. Once plants are established, water deeply every 2 to 4 days.
- Pinch stems to promote bushy, compact growth. Avoid lush growth, as it may reduce flavor.
- If planted in rows, thin to 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
- This variety is downy mildew-resistant.
Tips for Harvesting Your Seeds of Hope
- Pick basil often to encourage plants to grow fuller.
- Harvest from the top by pinching off stems just above a pair of leaves.
- Use clean scissors or fingers to make neat cuts and reduce the risk of disease.
- Avoid removing more than one-third of a plant at a time so it can recover quickly.
- Leaves taste best before blooming, so aim to harvest plants before they begin to flower.
- Harvest in the morning when the oils are most concentrated for maximum flavor.
- Use basil leaves as a garnish, add to salads or even make this recipe!
Caprese Salad
Serves: 4
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2-3 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Rinse tomatoes and basil and pat dry.
- Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4-inch rounds.
- Arrange tomato slices on a large plate or shallow bowl. Layer mozzarella slices and basil leaves on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
Together, we can save lives! Every day, more people are turning to Komen for help. Your generous gift today ensures no one fights alone!
If you or someone you know has questions about breast health or breast cancer, or needs assistance during any part of a breast cancer journey, contact the Susan G. Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (877-465-6636) or helpline@komen.org. Se habla español. Helpline hours of operation: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
