Description
AAS WINNER DETAILS
Winner Type: National
Class: Basil
Variety Name: Magical Michael
Genus: Ocimum
Species: basilicum
Year: 2002
Common Name: Sweet Basil
Type: Edible – Vegetable
Breeder: PanAmerican Seed
Close Market Comparison: Anise Basil, Genovese and Siam Queen
PLANT NEEDS
Duration Type: Annual
Light Needs: Full sun
Water Needs: Normal
Season Type: Warm season
Staking Required: No
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
Foliage Color: Dark green
Plant Habit: Bushy, compact
Plant Height: 15-16 inches
Fruit Color (Harvest): Green leaves, flowers are small with purple calices and white corollas
IN THE GARDEN
Container: Yes
Garden Spacing: 15-18 inches
Days To Harvest (Sowing Seed): Leaves can be cut after 50-60 days and inforescences after 80-85 days
Days To Harvest (Transplant): Leaves after 30 days and inforescences after 50 days
Plant Spread: 16-17 inches
Herb: Yes
HOW TO GROW
Seeds germinate fast (4-6 days) and the plant reaches full bloom after 80-90 days.This new type of basil has a round shape with a flat top where most of the compact inforescences develop. Flowers are small with purple calices and white corollas. The aroma is similar to a sweet basil with a slightly distinct aroma. Leaves are dark green.
AAS Winners
Christine Williams –
I have grown & used Magic Michael basil, from starter plants purchased at my local nursery. The taste was excellent, far superior to most other basils I have used. I especially prefer it for Caprese salad.
I grew it in containers on my balcony, where I get full sun about 4 hours a day in spring, and 8 hours a day in summer, and it thrived.
Unfortunately, since 2018 I have been unable to find the plants anywhere. I really hope I can find them this year!
All-America Selections Admin –
We hope you do as well.