Italian Herbs
The ‘Slab of Seed’ is our original invention, handmade from a special blend of organically enriched super-soil and infused with the finest Heirloom seed sourced from expert farmers from around the world. The slab itself will hold water 3x longer than the soil it is planted in, is easy to space and plant and the added soil pro-biotics improve the growth of the plant and the taste of the harvest. This Slab of Seed will grow you 3 delicious heirloom* Italian herb varieties: Basil – Oregano – Sage (*Heirloom seed is the purest & oldest seed on earth – read below why I chose these delicious varieties)
- SPROUTS IN: 12 – 18 days
- HARVEST IN: 8 – 12 weeks
- PICK FOR: 10+ weeks
- GROWS ‘SOW’ MUCH: 12 block slab – 1 block yields = 800g+ Herbs
HOW TO GROW
HOW TO GROW
WHEN TO SOW?
WHEN TO SOW?
WHY I LOVE THESE HEIRLOOMS
WHY I LOVE THESE HEIRLOOMS
GENOVESE basil is associated with the area of 'Genovese' in Italy, but the species originated in areas of Asia and Africa and made its way to the Mediterranean via the ancient spice routes. The flavorful plant was introduced to the Liguria region by the Romans who enjoyed an early version of pesto as a bread spread. To this day the most prized pesto comes from this area made with this specific variety of basil. The name "Basilico Genovese" is protected by the European Union with the Denominazione di Origine Protetta certification. Genoese basil can only be produced and certified in the provinces of Genoa, Savona and Imperia. This variety of basil has a lower tendency to become bitter after cooking. The plant is also less likely to bolt, meaning it is less likely to flower quickly in hot weather. It has large soft bright green and mildly crinkled leaves.
TASTING NOTE: Aromatic & minty
OREGANO can be traced back to as early as 3000 BC when it was used by the Assyrians. During Greek and Roman times, it was one of the most commonly used herbs for health and medicinal purposes. Oregano’s name can be credited to the Greeks. It is a combination of the Greek words “oros” and “ganos” which together mean “joy of the mountains”. It is a shrub-like herb with multiple-branched stems with narrow, arrow-shaped, soft, fuzzy textured leaves. As the plant grows, the more mature stems become woody at the base. It is a perennial plant and is often grown for 3–4 years, but in cooler climates it is often grown as an annual. In the late summer, small white flowers bloom from the flower spikes (bracts) at the top of the stems. Typically, Oregano is harvested just before the flowers bloom, when the flavor and aroma is at its peak.
TASTING NOTE: Woody & camphor notes
SAGE is a herb that is prized for its strong herbal aroma and earthy flavor and can be used fresh of dried. This evergreen shrub is part of the mint family. It has oval, dusty gray-green leaves with woody stems. Because of the fine, velveteen hair-like projections on sage leaves, they have a slightly fuzzy or fluffy appearance. It is a perennial plant that grows about 60 cm tall. The flowers are borne in spikes that will attract bees & butterflies to your garden. It originated in the Mediterranean and has a long history of medicinal and culinary use. Sage is often mentioned as the herb of immortality, domestic virtue, health, and wisdom. Sage was a sacred ceremonial herb of the Romans. It has been cultivated for both culinary and medicinal purposes for many centuries in Europe.
TASTING NOTE: Hints of earthy pine.
