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What am I growing?

Jesse2501Jesse2501 Posts: 150
in Plants
I bought some basil seed from a well known supermarket and put it into compost in pots on the windowsill. Additionally, I collected seed from my snakes head fritillaries in the garden and put them into pots too. Now I have two different types of leaves in some of the basil pots. I can see the basil has grown but are the other serrated leaves fritillaries? I thought fritillary leaves would be needle like as the are in my garden, but these are serrated. Would any kind fritillary grower help me out please? Have I got new fritillary plants that I can pot up separately? Pictures enclosed. 

Many thanks everyone. 
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Posts

  • TheveggardenerTheveggardener Posts: 1,057
    The shorter plant looks like Basil which is a herb and the other looks like a weed but not sure which one. I'm sure someone on here will know the answer.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 11,153
    I class it as a weed, but l'll be blowed if l can remember which one.
  • Alan Clark2 in LiverpoolAlan Clark2 in Liverpool Posts: 1,990
    It looks like Fat Hen.
  • Jesse2501Jesse2501 Posts: 150
    Oh no. I kept the pots inside the window so I’m not sure how the weed got in. Yes, the short leaves is definitely basil, thankfully, but I have no idea what the serrated leaves are. I assume they aren’t fritillaries. Anyone know why the fritillary seeds haven’t grown? 
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 26,974
    Fat Hen as Alan says,
    Frits may not have germinated because they are native hardy plants that don't do well indoors. If you get some more, sow them straight away and leave them outside somewhere shady and sheltered. 


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Jesse2501Jesse2501 Posts: 150
    Ok, I guess I can try again next year. fat hen into the compost bin so.. thanks for the replies everyone. Can I still use the basil, I assume there’s no risk..
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 11,153
    It's possible the weed seeds were already in the compost, it can happen . I think fritillary seeds need a period of cold, whereas basil likes warmth.
    Bit more info here
    https://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/item_602A_fritillaria_meleagris
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 26,974
    Jesse2501 said:
    Ok, I guess I can try again next year. fat hen into the compost bin so.. thanks for the replies everyone. Can I still use the basil, I assume there’s no risk..
    no risk, poisons don't pass from one plant to another and Fat Hen is edible anyway


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391
    Yep, some cooking info. for Fat Hen here:

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,133
    The biggest problem will be keeping the basil going with that in the pot as well, so you might want to separate them, or put the whole lot into a bigger pot.

    Oops - just noticed you said you've removed the fat hen.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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