How do I save my Basil plant?

[Mishetta]

I have this HUGE basil plant which I've been so happily using all summer long. My Mom was the one with the green thumb here but she passed away in July. So I don't know what to do with this absolutely wonderful basil plant for the winter?? Last night the news predicted frost so I covered it up with a huge garbage bag. It looks like it made it but what do I do with it for winter? Will it keep in the house?

Not to sound so ignorant but I really know nothing about taking care of plants. My Mom lived with us & had several around the house. So far I've only killed two but I know that the rest have numbered days too!

Any advice?

 

[Snowwark]

Welcome to the F&G board, Mishetta.

I have a basil plant outside also. Mine's potted though, and I've brought it in and put it in my south facing bump-out window, where it will receive lots of sunlight. I haven't done this before, I'll see how it goes.

You received lots of good advice on the CB. If you take cuttings or pot the entire plant, try to keep it in the sunniest window you have, or invest in some grow lights.

Good luck!

 

[Mishetta]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I will bring it in tomorrow. I have already covered it for this evening.

You're right about all the great advice I received on the CB. It's nice when people care enough to share advice!

Thanks again!!

Rose

 

[Snowwark]

Purple Basil

is somewhat more intensely flavored than sweet basil and also has that wonderful color. The flavor intensity asks that you use a bit less of the purple than the green for any dishes you currently include basil in. Steeping purple basil in distilled or white wine vinegar will color the vinegar a rich reddish-purple. A member of the mint family, native to India.

• Add chopped purple basil leaves to salads with yellow tomatoes for a rich color contrast and sympathetic flavors.

• Drop some chopped purple basil leaves into the cooking water for cauliflower to tint it a slightly pink color and add good basil flavor.

• Steep purple basil leaves in white wine vinegar to extract both color and flavor - put leaves in a bottle, fill with the vinegar, seal and hold in a dark place for a few weeks.

• Add a few finely chopped purple basil leaves to mayonnaise or sour cream to serve with other foods. Hold overnight to get the richest color.

• Substitute purple basil for the green basil in pesto and use it as a pasta dressing or spread on grilled bread slices

• Garnish richly-flavored chilled soups like gazpacho or avocado soup with purple basil

• Add chopped purple basil leaves to marinades for poultry or pork to flavor and color the meats

• Add coarsely chopped purple basil leaves to tomato soup and sauces immediately before service as a colorful garnish and flavor intensifier.


I hope this info helps, Mishetta!