Zanzico
Crop: Basil (Ocimum spp.)
Use/Type: Standard
Breeder: Frank Morton Wild Garden Seed
OSSI Pledge Date: 2023
Release Date: 2023
Bred for Organic Systems: Yes
Description
“Zanzico’ comes from a cross of ‘Opalescent X Classico’, a 4th generation family with large thick leaves up to 2 x 4” in size, convexly rounded, slightly savoyed with broadly toothed margins, somewhat bronzed in color, with light lilac flowers. The East African flavors of ‘Mrihani’ (the seed parent of ‘Opalescent,’ from Zanzibar) meld with sweet Italian ‘Classico’ in this large framed plant. The scent and vigor of this one suggests tea, cooking, and fragrant floral arrangements. Expect some variation for flower color, leaf size, and flavor between plants. There is also a possibility of resistance to downy mildew, thanks to that Zanzibar heritage. ‘Mrihani’ is the source of resistance in many of the new downy mildew resistant varieties, but its flavor has been bred away in favor of the pure sweet Italian profile. Here, the ‘Mrihani’ comes through in combination with the sweet Italian from ‘Classico.’”
Source: https://www.wildgardenseed.com/
Availability from OSSI Seed Company Partners
