Basil Plants in the Winter

Identification

• Basil is native to southern Asia and the South Pacific, which explains its sensitivity to cold temperatures. It is a tender annual, meaning that it is sensitive to frost. Basil is commonly used to flavor Italian, Mediterranean and Asian food.

Time Frame

• Basil will usually die after the first frost if it is not transplanted indoors. Seedlings are particularly sensitive to frost, so plant basil well after any possibility of frost or very low temperatures. Provide plenty of light if you bring basil indoors and use artificial plant lighting if necessary.

Uses

• If you don't want to bring your basil indoors for the winter, you can still reap the culinary benefits of its flavorful leaves by freezing them. Cut off the leaves, wash them and let them dry and chop them into fine pieces. Store the basil in ice cube trays with a small dash of water for up to one year.