Basil Tuscany

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Position Full Sun
Height 1.2m
Width 50cm
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Description

(Ocimum basilicum ‘Genova’)

Tuscan food is known for its simple style yet complex flavours coming from a blend of regional herbs that have been used for cooking and healing since Roman times. An easy to grow annual that has a more spicy aroma than Sweet Basil.

Food Partners

Taste of Tuscany herbs should be blended together in ratios as required for each dish. They all blend well with some basics of the modern and old kitchen like onions, tomatoes and garlic. The flavours are strong so best used with heavy or game style meats.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

An easy to use herb that enhances other herbs and should be added just prior to serving. Harvest regularly, the more you harvest it the longer it will last. Do not allow to go to flower and harvest all leaves as the late autumn cold sets in. Blend with pine nuts, garlic, parmesan and olive oil for a delicious pesto.

Landscaping/Planting

This quick growing herb likes fertile moist soil in part to full sun. Will grow well in any veggie garden and also in small or large pots. Harvest regularly, will not tolerate frost or sudden cold snaps.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Harvest often and give regular applications of Seasol and PowerFeed to keep the plant healthy and producing well.

Herb Attributes

Position PART TO FULL SUN, FROST SENSITIVE
Height 90CM
Width 60CM

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