Basil ( Ocimum spp . ) , an redolent herbaceous plant in the Lamiaceae category , is prized for its culinary versatility , decorative ingathering , and medicative uses . Native to tropic regions of Asia and Africa , it encompasses over 60 specie and multitudinous cultivar , depart in savour , leafage shape , size , and growth habits .
Known for square stems , opposite leaves , and whorled prime , they range from 6–36 in tall , with leaf size ( 0.5–6 inches ) and colors ( green to purple ) variegate widely . Cultivated for 5,000 + class , they ’re now world staples .
Basil fly high in warm mood ( zona 4–11 ) , preferring full sun ( 6–8 hours ) and temperature of 70 ° F–90 ° F , though some tolerate 50 ° F minima . Leaves — lustrous , crinkled , or haired — stock essential vegetable oil ( 0.5–2 % ) like linalool , eugenol , or citral , defining their sweet-smelling , savory , or citrusy scents . It ’s tender to frost , often develop as an annual international tropic .
Planting pass in springiness , post - frost , on well - drained , fertile land ( pH 6.0–7.0 ) , with seeds sown 1/4 column inch deep or cuttings settle down for hybrids . infinite 12–18 inch apart ; it matures in 60–90 days , require 1 inch water weekly and pinching to prevent bolt . harvest time leaves pre - flowering for peak flavor , yielding 1–2 oz fresh per works hebdomadally .
Culinary uses span pesto ( Genovese ) , curry ( Thai ) , teas ( holy ) , and garnishes ( purple ) , with flavors from balmy bouquet to bold spice . Medicinally , basil offer antioxidant and anti - incitive compounds , used in Ayurveda and tribe remedy . Oil contentedness drive its aroma , extracted for perfumes or therapeutics .
Basil ’s versatility shines in gardens , pots , or hydroponics , pull pollinators with white , pink , or purple blooms . It pairs with tomatoes horticulturally , repelling pests , but demand vigilance against downy mould and aphids . From sacred Tulsi to dwarf bushes , it blends public utility company , beauty , and resiliency .
Basil Plants
Sweet Basil ( Ocimum basilicum )
Sweet Basil , the classic culinary banner , has unspecific , glistening , oval leaves ( 2–3 inches long ) , medium green , and a bushy habit ( 18–24 inches tall ) . aboriginal to Southeast Asia , it ’s been cultivated for over 5,000 years , reach Europe via spiciness road . Grown as an annual in Zones 4–10 , it flourish in full sun ( 6–8 hour ) , 70 ° F–85 ° F , on well - drained dirt ( pH 6.0–7.0 ) , reaching maturity in 60–70 days from seed . Its sweet-scented , peppery flavor with a modest anise tinge stars in pesto , Caprese salads , and Italian sauces ; leave of absence yield 0.5–1 % all important fossil oil ( linalool , methyl chavicol ) . twinge tops to encourage fork ; it bolts in heat above 90 ° fluorine .
Genovese Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Genovese ’ )
Genovese , an Italian heirloom , feature large , crinkle , dark green leaves ( 3–4 inches ) , growing 18–24 inch tall with a stocky , upright form . Originating in Liguria , it ’s the gold standard for pesto , bred for full-bodied look since the 19th century . It prefers full sun , 65 ° F–80 ° F , and robust , moist soil ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , maturate in 68–75 days . Its intense , gratifying - spicy gustatory modality with Syzygium aromaticum tip excels in sauces , pizzas , and fresh garnishes ; oil subject matter contact 1–1.5 % . Prune on a regular basis to check blossoming ; it ’s less heat - tolerant than Thai type .
Thai Basil ( Ocimum basilicum var . thyrsiflora )
Thai Basil has narrow , pointed , glistening leaves ( 1–2 inch ) , deep light-green with over-embellished veins , atop over-embellished stems , reaching 12–18 inches . Native to Thailand , it ’s a staple fiber in southeastern Asiatic culinary art , naturalise for centuries . Grown in geographical zone 9–11 or as an yearbook , it loves heat ( 75 ° F–90 ° F ) , full sun , and well - enfeeble land ( pH 6.0–7.0 ) , maturing in 60–70 twenty-four hours . Its bold , licorice - spicy flavor with cinnamon notes shines in curry , ado - small fry , and pho ; eugenol dominates its oil ( 1–2 % ) . stem toughen if unpruned ; it resists absquatulate good than mellifluous basil .
Purple Ruffles Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Purple Ruffles ’ )
Purple Ruffles , a hybrid cultivar , boasts ruffle , serrated , deep purple leaves ( 2–3 inches ) , growing 18–24 inches in a shaggy-haired , cosmetic embodiment . Developed in the U.S. ( 1980s ) for aesthetics , it delineate to sweet St. Basil lineage . It thrive in full sun , 70 ° F–85 ° F , on fertile soil ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , grow in 70–80 days from seeded player . Its mild , sweet flavour with a Eugenia caryophyllatum jot suits salads , vinegars , and garnishes ; anthocyanins distort its leaf , not oil ( 0.5–1 % ) . Sunlight intensifies purple ; it ’s prone to downy mildew in humidness .
Lemon Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Citriodorum ’ )
Lemon Basil has belittled , ellipse , light green leaves ( 1–2 inches ) , uprise 12–18 inches tall with a delicate , erect wont . probably from India , it ’s a natural hybrid of O. basilicum and O. americanum , known since the 18th century . It favor full sun , 70 ° F–85 ° F , and sandlike loam ( pH 6.0–7.0 ) , maturate in 60–70 day . Its bright , citrusy nip with sweet undertones enhances teas , seafood , and dessert ; citral drives its oil ( 1–1.5 % ) . purloin often to prevent legginess ; it ’s less robust in cold below 50 ° F .
Holy Basil ( Ocimum tenuiflorum , syn . O. sanctum )
Holy Basil , or Tulsi , features haired , oval , gray - gullible farewell ( 1–2 inches ) with serrated edges , on purplish stem , reaching 18–24 inches . Sacred in India for 3,000 + year , it ’s aboriginal to South Asia and revered in Ayurveda . Grown as a perennial in Zones 10–11 or annual elsewhere , it loves heat energy ( 75 ° F–90 ° F ) , full Sunday , and moist dirt ( pH 6.0–7.0 ) , suppurate in 70–80 days . Its spicy , clove - similar taste with peppery notes suit teas , stir - Fry , and herbal cure ; eugenol - rich oil ( 1–2 % ) help stress relief . It bolts fast in heat ; prune to exert .
Cinnamon Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Cinnamon ’ )
Cinnamon Basil has average , lance - form , green leafage ( 1.5–2.5 inches ) with purplish veins , on reddish stems , growing 18–24 inches . A cultivar from Mexico , it emerge in the twentieth C from odoriferous sweet basil stock . It expand in full sun , 70 ° F–85 ° F , on well - drained soil ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , maturing in 65–75 days . Its tender , cinnamon - spicy flavor with sweet hints upgrade adust good , fruits , and teas ; methyl cinnamate define its oil ( 1–1.5 % ) . Stems woody if unpruned ; it ’s raw to frost below 40 ° F .
Dark Opal Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Dark Opal ’ )
Dark Opal , a U.S. hybrid ( 1960s ) , boasts legato , oval , deep purple leaves ( 2–3 column inch ) , develop 12–18 inch in a compact form . multiply for color from sweet basil , it gain ground an All - America Selections award . It favour full sun , 70 ° F–85 ° F , and full-bodied soil ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , maturate in 70–80 days . Its meek , perfumed - peppery gustatory modality suits garnishes , oil , and salads ; anthocyanins boost its hue , not petroleum ( 0.5–1 % ) . Full sun prevents green ; it ’s susceptible to fungal issues in wet summer .
Spicy Globe Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Spicy Globe ’ )
Spicy Globe , a nanus cultivar , has tiny , round , fleeceable leafage ( 0.5–1 in ) , organize a dense , ball-shaped bush ( 8–12 inch tall ) . make grow in the U.S. for container gardening , it derives from sweet basil . It grows in full sun , 65 ° F–80 ° F , on well - drain dirt ( pH 6.0–7.0 ) , mature in 60–70 days . Its barbed , hot - sweet-flavored flavour enhances soup , marrow , and garnish ; crude content is 0.5–1 % . Prune light to shape ; it ’s idealistic for pots but less productive than marvelous type .
African Blue Basil ( Ocimum kilimandscharicum × O. basilicum )
African Blue , a sterile loanblend , features broad , venose , purple - green leave ( 2–3 inches ) , on over-embellished stem turn , reach 24–36 inch . develop in Africa , it was cover in the 1980s for vigor . A perennial in Zones 9–11 , it fly high in full sun , 75 ° F–90 ° F , on moist soil ( pH 6.0–7.0 ) , mature yr - pear-shaped . Its camphor - spicy flavor suit stews and grilling ; camphor dominates its oil ( 1–2 % ) . Cuttings root well ; it attracts pollinators but does n’t sow .
Lime Basil ( Ocimum americanum ‘ Lime ’ )
Lime Basil has little , narrow , swooning green leaves ( 1–1.5 column inch ) , growing 12–18 inches in a shaggy-haired form . Likely from East Africa , it ’s a form of O. americanum , get laid since colonial time . It prefer full sun , 70 ° F–85 ° F , and sandy soil ( pH 6.0–7.0 ) , maturing in 60–70 days . Its zesty , unslaked lime - citrus smack with sweet Federal Reserve note lifts fish , dressings , and cocktail ; limonene repel its fossil oil ( 1–1.5 % ) . Pinch to prevent abscond ; it ’s cutter below 50 ° F .
Red Rubin Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Red Rubin ’ )
Red Rubin , a U.S. cultivar ( 1990s ) , has unruffled , oval , crimson - purple leaves ( 2–3 inches ) , originate 16–20 inches tall . Derived from Dark Opal , it ’s bred for unvarying colour . It thrives in full sunshine , 70 ° F–85 ° F , on fertile dirt ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , maturing in 70–80 Clarence Day . Its sweet , more or less spicy flavor enhances vinegars , salads , and alimentary paste ; oil color content is 0.5–1 % . Sunlight deepens color ; it ’s prostrate to mould in humidity .
Mrs. Burns ’ Lemon Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Mrs. Burns ’ Lemon ’ )
Mrs. Burns ’ Lemon , an heirloom from New Mexico , boasts great , oval , bright green leaves ( 2–3 inch ) , grow 18–24 inches . Named for a twentieth - century grower , it ’s a Citrus limon basil discrepancy . It loves full sunlight , 70 ° F–85 ° F , and rich soil ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , maturing in 60–70 day . Its strong , lemony - gratifying flavor excels in teas , poultry , and sugariness ; citral - plenteous rock oil is 1–1.5 % . racy but bolt in heat ; crimp often .
Grecian Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Minimum ’ )
Greek Basil , a dwarf heirloom , has tiny , ellipse , light-green leaves ( 0.5–1 in ) , mould a pie-eyed , rounded bush ( 6–10 in ) . From Mediterranean region , it ’s engender for compactness over centuries . It develop in full sun , 65 ° F–80 ° F , on well - drained dirt ( pH 6.0–7.0 ) , senesce in 60–70 days . Its mild , mellisonant flavor suit pots , garnishes , and salads ; oil is 0.5–1 % . Ideal for small space ; it ’s less productive per plant .
Cardinal Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Cardinal ’ )
Cardinal , a New cultivar , features broad , green leaves ( 2–3 inches ) with strike red flower bracts , turn 18–24 column inch . breed in the U.S. for ornamentation , it ’s a fresh St. Basil the Great offshoot . It expand in full sun , 70 ° F–85 ° F , on moist soil ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , maturing in 70–80 days . Its sweet , peppery taste causa fresh usance ; flower add up visual flair , vegetable oil at 0.5–1 % . Prune flowers to extend harvesting ; it ’s heat - sensitive .
Nufar Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Nufar ’ )
Nufar , an Israeli hybrid ( 1990s ) , has large , smooth , gullible leaves ( 2–3 inches ) , growing 24–30 inches in a stout , erect human body . breed for disease resistance ( Fusarium wilt ) , it ’s a Genoese type . It prefers full sun , 70 ° F–85 ° F , and fertile dirt ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , maturate in 70–80 days . Its sweet-flavored , robust relish excels in pesto and sauce ; oil is 1–1.5 % . High - yielding and resilient , it needs lop to prevent bolting .
Finissimo Verde a Palla Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Finissimo Verde a Palla ’ )
Finissimo Verde a Palla , an Italian dwarf cultivar , has diminutive , ellipse , bright green leaves ( 0.5–1 column inch ) , mold a dense , orb - shaped bush ( 8–12 inch tall ) . Bred in Italy for container gardening , it ’s a sweet basil strain complicate over decades . It thrive in full sunlight , 65 ° F–80 ° F , on well - drained grime ( pH 6.0–7.0 ) , maturing in 60–70 day from seeded player . Its mild , sweet - peppery flavor courtship garnish , salads , and light sauces ; oil color content is 0.5–1 % . complete for diminished spaces , it ask frequent pinching to maintain cast but yields less per plant than marvellous case .
Siam Queen Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Siam Queen ’ )
Siam Queen , a Thai St. Basil the Great crossbreed from the 1990s , features average , pointed , dark-skinned green leaves ( 2–3 inches ) with purple vein and stems , growing 18–24 inches tall . Developed in Thailand for enhanced flavour , it ’s an All - America Selections victor . It loves full sunshine , 75 ° F–90 ° F , and moist , robust land ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , maturing in 65–75 years . Its acute , anise - spicy appreciation with floral tone excels in curry , noodle dishes , and soups ; eugenol - productive oil get through 1–2 % . warmth - patient of and slow to bolt , it ’s prostrate to downy mildew in humidity .
Boxwood Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ box ’ )
Boxwood , a U.S. cultivar , has little , tight , oval , green leave-taking ( 0.5–1 inch ) , growing 12–16 in in a succinct , Turkish boxwood - corresponding shape . cover for ornamental and culinary use in the twentieth century , it ’s a sweet St. Basil derivative . It favour full sun , 70 ° F–85 ° F , and well - run out land ( pH 6.0–7.0 ) , maturate in 60–70 days . Its subtle , unfermented flavour with a peppery edge suits pesto , garnishes , and teas ; oil is 0.5–1 % . idealistic for march or pots , it need steady trim to continue obtuse and is less vigorous in coldness below 50 ° F .
Amethyst Improved Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Amethyst Improved ’ )
Amethyst better , a modern Genovese crossbreed , boasts large , smooth , deep purple leaves ( 2–3 inches ) , growing 16–20 in magniloquent with a bushy form . Developed in the U.S. from Dark Opal , it ’s fine-tune for colour and flavor consistency . It grows in full sun , 70 ° F–85 ° F , on fertile soil ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , maturing in 70–80 days . Its sweet , slightly piquant taste enhances salads , vinegars , and alimentary paste ; anthocyanins boost its hue , rock oil at 0.5–1 % . Full sun foreclose green ; it ’s susceptible to fungal issues in soaked condition .
Pesto Perpetuo Basil ( Ocimum basilicum × O. citriodorum ‘ Pesto Perpetuo ’ )
Pesto Perpetuo , a sterile hybrid , has vary , light unripe farewell with emollient edges ( 1.5–2 inches ) , growing 18–24 in in a columnlike embodiment . Introduced in the U.S. ( 2000s ) for ornamentation , it blend in sweet and stinker basil traits . A perennial in Zones 9–11 , it thrives in full sun , 70 ° F–85 ° F , on well - run out grunge ( pH 6.0–7.0 ) , growing year - round of drinks from cuttings . Its mild , sweet - citrous fruit tang suits pestos and garnish ; petroleum is 0.5–1 % . Non - flowering , it ’s low - upkeep but tender below 40 ° F .
Blue Spice Basil ( Ocimum americanum × O. basilicum ‘ Blue Spice ’ )
Blue Spice , a hybrid , sport small , narrow , light-green leaves ( 1–1.5 inches ) with purple - distort stems , growing 12–18 inches magniloquent . Likely from East Africa , it emerged in the 1990s for alone tang . It prefer full sun , 70 ° F–85 ° F , and sandlike loam ( pH 6.0–7.0 ) , mature in 60–70 days . Its spicy , vanilla - camphor taste with floral steer elevates meats , teas , and sweet ; oil ( 1–1.5 % ) blends eugenol and camphor . Pinching wait bolting ; it ’s less cold - unfearing than sweet basil .
Naples Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Naples ’ )
Naples , an Italian heirloom , has large , crinkle , bright green leaf ( 3–4 inch ) , growing 20–26 inches in a rich , upright class . From Naples , Italy , it ’s a Genovese cousin breed for C . It thrives in full sun , 70 ° F–85 ° F , on rich soil ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , maturing in 70–80 days . Its bold , sugared - spicy flavour with anise undertones excels in pesto , sauce , and pizzas ; oil is 1–1.5 % . richly - concession , it bolts in heat above 90 ° F unless trim on a regular basis .
Osmin Purple Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Osmin Purple ’ )
Osmin Purple , a U.S. cultivar , brag tranquil , ellipse , vibrant regal leaves ( 2–3 inches ) , growing 16–20 column inch with a shaggy-coated habit . Developed from Dark Opal in the 1990s , it ’s prized for color deepness . It grow in full sun , 70 ° F–85 ° F , on fat soil ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , maturing in 70–80 days . Its mild , cherubic - peppery taste suits garnish , oils , and salads ; oil is 0.5–1 % . sun enhances purple ; it ’s prostrate to mildew in humid summer .
Magical Michael Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Magical Michael ’ )
Magical Michael , a loanblend , has average , dark-green parting ( 1.5–2 in ) with purplish vein , growing 12–18 inches in a compact shape . breed in the U.S. ( 2000s ) for aesthetics , it ’s a sweet basil offshoot . It opt full sun , 70 ° F–85 ° F , and well - drained dirt ( pH 6.0–7.0 ) , mature in 65–75 daytime . Its sweet , slightly spicy flavor enhances unused dishes and tea ; oil is 0.5–1 % . Ornamental flowers attract pollinators ; it ’s tender below 50 ° atomic number 9 .
Queenette Thai Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Queenette ’ )
Queenette , a Thai cultivar , feature lowly , pointed , dark-green leaves ( 1–2 inches ) with purple stems , growing 12–18 inches tall . From Thailand , it ’s a neat var. for compact maturation . It loves full sun , 75 ° F–90 ° F , and moist territory ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , senesce in 60–70 days . Its strong , anise - cinnamon relish shines in soup , stir - tike , and tea ; oil ( 1–2 % ) is eugenol - operose . Heat - tolerant , it needs pruning to prevent legginess .
Prospera Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Prospera ’ )
Prospera , a modern hybrid , has large , smooth , gullible leaves ( 2–3 column inch ) , growing 20–26 inch in a vigorous , upright bod . engender in Israel ( 2010s ) for Fusarium and downy mildew resistance , it ’s Genovese - base . It thrive in full Lord’s Day , 70 ° F–85 ° F , on fertile soil ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , maturing in 70–80 days . Its sweet , robust flavour courtship pesto and sauces ; oil is 1–1.5 % . High - yielding and resilient , it bolts in heating plant unless twitch .
Lettuce Leaf Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Lettuce Leaf ’ )
Lettuce Leaf , a Japanese heirloom , boasts immense , crinkled , green leaves ( 4–6 inches ) , growing 18–24 inches in a bushy pattern . sleep together since the 19th century , it ’s breed for leaf size . It prefer full sun , 70 ° F–85 ° F , and fertile soil ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , maturate in 70–80 days . Its mild , seraphic flavor lawsuit wraps , salad , and pesto ; oil is 0.5–1 % . Productive but bolts tight in heat ; harvesting young leaves .
Green Ruffles Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Green Ruffles ’ )
Green Ruffles , a U.S. loanblend , has large , serrated , green leaves ( 3–4 inches ) , grow 18–24 inch with a frilled , cosmetic look . Developed in the 1980s from dulcet basil , it ’s visually striking . It grows in full sun , 70 ° F–85 ° F , on well - drained dirt ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , grow in 70–80 days . Its sweet , mild flavor enhances salads and garnishes ; oil is 0.5–1 % . Prune to stay flowering ; it ’s less heat - kind .
Aroma 2 Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Aroma 2 ’ )
perfume 2 , a U.S. hybrid , features medium , glistening , green leaves ( 2–3 inch ) , grow 20–24 inch in a hardy phase . Bred in the nineties for Fusarium resistance , it ’s a Genoese type . It thrives in full sunlight , 70 ° F–85 ° F , on rich dirt ( pH 6.0–6.5 ) , maturing in 70–80 day . Its sweet , aromatic flavor excels in pesto and Italian dish ; oil is 1–1.5 % . high up - yielding , it needs regular pruning to stay shaggy-coated .
Bush Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ‘ Bush ’ )
Bush Basil , an old European cultivar , has humble , oval , green leafage ( 0.5–1 inch ) , forming a heavy , rounded bush ( 10–14 inch ) . Cultivated for centuries , it ’s a fresh St. Basil variant for modest gardens . It favour full sun , 65 ° F–80 ° F , and well - drained soil ( pH 6.0–7.0 ) , mature in 60–70 day . Its mild , sweet tasting courting garnishes and sauces ; oil is 0.5–1 % . heavyset and low - care , it ’s less productive per plant .
Indian Basil ( Ocimum gratissimum )
Indian Basil , or Clove Basil , has large , hairy , green leave-taking ( 2–4 inches ) with serrate bound , growing 24–36 inches in a shrubby grade . Native to India and Africa , it ’s used in traditional music for millenary . A perennial in Zones 10–11 , it make out heat ( 75 ° F–90 ° F ) , full sunlight , and moist grease ( pH 6.0–7.0 ) , maturing in 80–90 day . Its substantial , Eugenia caryophyllatum - spicy feeling suits stews , tea , and remedies ; oil ( 1–2 % ) is eugenol - rich . Robust but bolts tight ; prune hard .
