Do different types of basil cross-pollinate. Can I plant Cinnamon Basil with Sweet Basil and Thai Basil...etc.?
basil cross-pollinating
I think they will cross-pollinate, but that doesn't mean you can't plant them together, even if you want to save seeds. You'll want to pinch back your basils most of the growing season anyway, since the leaves tend to get bitter once the stem starts to set buds. You can "isolate" by time rather than by distance... just let only one variety of basil set seeds at a time by continuing to pinch back the others. I generally try to do this, although I'm not always successful (Lime basil in particular wants to bolt all the time)... and I've never noticed any of my basils not coming "true" from saved seed.
Thanks. I've never tried lime basil. Where did you get it? Do you like it? Is it used like sweet basil in Italian dished?
I got my original plants from DeBaggio's, an herb nursery in VA. I save seeds every year, and I always have extra to share!
I love the scent of it and would plant it for that reason alone. I always have to have at least a couple of plants in pots on the deck, or along the pathway where people will brush against them. The "lime" flavor is very strong... I think it's nice in marinades, but a little goes a long way... I've thought of putting it into salsa, will have to try that this year.
If you want to try it or any of the others I have available, please post a request on the SASBE offer thread I just put up in the herb forum....