Sow outdoors March-May for ease, where they are to crop, 0.5cm (¼”) deep, directly into into finely-prepared, warm, well-drained soil, which has already been watered. Thin seedlings to 20cm (8″) apart. For a continuous supply, make sowings at two to three week intervals.
Or sow indoors for all year round crops. Sow 0.5cm (¼”) deep, in small pots of compost. Water well and place in a warm position. A temperature of 15-20°C (60-68°F) is ideal. Seedlings usually appear in 7-14 days. Grow on in cooler, but not cold conditions. For earlier outdoor crops, sow indoors March-May. Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out into warm, well-drained soil, 20cm (8″) apart, during May-July. Alternatively, plants can be grown on a light windowsill.
Harvest: Leaves are best picked immediately before use (outdoor crops from June).