Category: Seed of the Week (Page 120 of 167)

Seed of the Week: Basil

Last week’s mystery seeds were indeed from a basil plant, Ocimum basilicum.

Originally from tropical areas of Africa and Asia, basil loves the warm summer sun in Arizona. It is relatively easy to grow in pots as well as in the garden.

Some of the varieties are small and compact. Other are colorful, for example the purple Dark Opal basil. These lovely white flowers are what produce the seeds. A member of the mint family, basil is used as an herb. As mentioned in last week’s hint, it is a key ingredient in pesto. Have you grown basil? What is your favorite use for basil?

Mystery Seed of the Week 76

Our mystery seeds this week are not very distinctive.

Yes, this week’s challenge is a tough one.

So this week I’m giving you a big hint:  Pesto would not be the same without the plant these seeds produce.

Can you guess?

Edit:  The answer is now posted.

Seed of the Week: Zucchini

Our often-grown mystery seeds from last week were from a zucchini plant, Cucurbita pepo, but they could have been from any squash or pumpkin plant of that species. If you guessed those, you are also correct.

The zucchini is a low plant with fairly large leaves.

The bright orange flowers may be male or female.

They are pollinated by bees or may be pollinated by hand if there are too few bees to do the job.

And soon the ubiquitous fruit develops. I think this one is headed for zucchini bread.

What is your favorite way to eat zucchini?

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