Ocimum encompasses a variety of aromatic plants that can be annuals, evergreen perennials, or shrubs. These species feature opposite leaves that range from linear to broadly ovate. Their small tubular flowers, which can be white or pinkish, are arranged in whorls along a spike.

Ocimum

Ocimum 'African Blue' is a short-lived perennial that reaches a height of approximately 75 cm. Its dark green foliage has a purplish hue when young and emits a strong camphor aroma. In summer, it produces spikes of purple-pink flowers on purple stems.

Ocimum 'African Blue'

Ocimum 'Cypriot'

Ocimum 'Spice'

Ocimum americanum

Ocimum basilicum is a fragrant herb that can be classified as either a tender annual or a short-lived perennial. It typically grows to heights of 30-60 cm and spreads about 30 cm wide. The leaves are bright green, elliptical in shape, measuring roughly 5 cm in length and 2-3 cm in width. There are numerous cultivars of this plant, each differing in size and coloration. In late summer, it produces small, tubular flowers that may be white or have a hint of pink, arranged in terminal, slightly hairy spikes.

Ocimum basilicum

Ocimum basilicum 'Adi'

Ocimum basilicum 'Adriana'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Ajaka'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Ararat'

Ocimum basilicum 'Aristotle' is a versatile, bushy annual that forms a tidy, compact mound filled with small, fragrant green leaves known for their rich basil taste. This variety thrives in containers, making it an ideal choice for windowsill gardening.

Ocimum basilicum 'Aristotle'

Ocimum basilicum 'Aroma 2' is a tender annual known for its bushy growth and fragrant foliage, primarily cultivated for its culinary leaves. This robust F1 hybrid features large, vibrant green leaves and offers certain resistance to bolting and various diseases. In late summer, it may produce clusters of small tubular flowers that are white or have a hint of pink.

Ocimum basilicum 'Aroma 2'

Ocimum basilicum 'Baroness'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Bavires'

Ocimum basilicum 'Beaujolais'

Ocimum basilicum 'Belinda'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Bella'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Bernardo'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Bl6'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Blue Spice'

Ocimum basilicum 'Bonazza'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'British Basil' is a robust, upright perennial typically cultivated as an annual. It features glossy, mid-green leaves that are both aromatic and edible. In the summer, this variety produces elongated spikes adorned with tubular, lilac-pink flowers. It is recognized for its ability to withstand outdoor environments, making it a viable option for warmer regions in the UK.

Ocimum basilicum 'British Basil'

Ocimum basilicum 'Chilly'

Ocimum basilicum 'Christmas' is a robust, bushy annual characterized by its sizable, shiny, aromatic leaves that offer a hint of mulled wine flavor. In the summer months, it produces abundant spikes of purple flowers. This variety thrives in containers, making it an ideal choice for limited spaces.

Ocimum basilicum 'Christmas'

Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon' is a perennial herb often cultivated as an annual. It features aromatic, deep green leaves accented by reddish-purple veins, delivering a distinct spicy flavor. In summer, it produces slender spikes adorned with small, tubular pink-purple flowers. This variety is appreciated for both its aesthetic appeal and culinary uses.

Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon'

Ocimum basilicum 'Classico' is a robust, upright cultivar characterized by its bushy growth and highly aromatic, medium-green foliage that embodies the traditional basil taste. In late summer, it produces spikes of white flowers. This variety is ideal for preparing genuine Italian recipes and thrives in pots, making it suitable for windowsills or indoor environments.

Ocimum basilicum 'Classico'

Ocimum basilicum 'Coldasil'

Ocimum basilicum 'Crimson King' PBR is a robust annual variety featuring deep purple foliage, known for its consistency and vigorous growth. The leaves are cupped and aromatic, making this plant a valuable addition to culinary creations. In late summer, it produces spikes of pink flowers.

Ocimum basilicum 'Crimson King'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Cuban'

Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal' is a robust, upright annual that showcases deep purple to nearly black aromatic leaves with a pronounced licorice taste. In the summer months, it produces clusters of small, tubular flowers in a vibrant cerise red. This variety is particularly suited for warmer gardens in the UK; in cooler climates, it can be cultivated indoors in a greenhouse or under glass.

Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal'

Ocimum basilicum 'Davinci'

Ocimum basilicum 'Edwina'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Elidia'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Emerald'

Ocimum basilicum 'Eowyn'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Feronia'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Fiero'

Ocimum basilicum 'Fine Verde'

Ocimum basilicum 'Floral Spires Lavender'

Ocimum basilicum 'Floral Spires White'

Ocimum basilicum 'Fragrant Flowers'

Ocimum basilicum 'Freddy'

Ocimum basilicum 'Garibaldi'

Ocimum basilicum 'Gecofure'

Ocimum basilicum 'Gemini'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Genova'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Giant Oakleaf'

Ocimum basilicum 'Green Ball'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Green Globe'

Ocimum basilicum 'Green Ruffles'

Ocimum basilicum 'Green Sphere'

Ocimum basilicum 'Green Super Globe'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Gustosa'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Habana'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Holy Red'

Ocimum basilicum 'Horapha Nanum' is a soft-stemmed, upright annual characterized by its bushy growth habit. The leaves are serrated and display a mix of olive green and purple hues, offering a distinct liquorice flavor. In summer, it produces clusters of small, tubular flowers that are purple in color. The plant is also noted for its striking purple stems, adding to its overall visual appeal.

Ocimum basilicum 'Horapha Nanum'

Ocimum basilicum 'Horapha'

Ocimum basilicum 'Italian'

Ocimum basilicum 'Kitchen Basil'

Ocimum basilicum 'Lemonade' is a tender perennial often cultivated as an annual. This upright, bushy plant features vibrant green leaves that carry a distinct lemon flavor. During the summer, it produces clusters of tubular white flowers arranged in whorls.

Ocimum basilicum 'Lemonade'

Ocimum basilicum 'Lettuce Leaved Large'

Ocimum basilicum 'Lhasa'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Loki'

Ocimum basilicum 'Lucia'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Luxor'PBR

This perennial, typically cultivated as an annual, forms a compact mound adorned with fragrant, medium-green foliage. In late summer, it produces spikes of flowers that exhibit a hint of purple.

Ocimum basilicum 'Magic Michael'

Ocimum basilicum 'Magic Mountain' is a tender, upright perennial typically cultivated as an annual. It features dark green foliage with a hint of purple and delivers the distinctive flavor associated with basil. In the summer, it produces dense spikes adorned with small, tubular purple flowers arranged in whorls.

Ocimum basilicum 'Magic Mountain'

Ocimum basilicum 'Magic White'

Ocimum basilicum 'Maha'

Ocimum basilicum 'Mammolo'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Marian'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Marseillais'

Ocimum basilicum 'Medinette'

Ocimum basilicum 'Mexican'

Ocimum basilicum 'Minette'

Ocimum basilicum 'Mrs Burns' Lemon' is a robust, upright perennial typically cultivated as an annual. It features a tidy growth form and narrow, mid-green foliage that emits a strong lemon fragrance. In summer, spikes of white flowers emerge, attracting pollinators such as bees.

Ocimum basilicum 'Mrs Burns' Lemon'

Ocimum basilicum 'Napoletano' is a compact variety that can reach heights of around 60 cm. It features sizable, wavy leaves that may grow up to 10 cm in length. During the summer, this plant produces white or lavender-pink blooms.

Ocimum basilicum 'Napoletano'

Ocimum basilicum 'New Guinea'

Ocimum basilicum 'Oase'

Ocimum basilicum 'Oman'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Orient'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Oriental Breeze' is a robust annual with an upright, bushy growth habit. Its vibrant green leaves are fragrant and possess a pronounced spicy basil taste. In the summer, it produces dense spikes adorned with rich purple flowers. This variety serves well as both a culinary herb and an ornamental plant.

Ocimum basilicum 'Oriental Breeze'

Ocimum basilicum 'Osmin'

Ocimum basilicum 'Piccolino' is a compact annual that develops a dense, rounded shape filled with small, vibrant green leaves known for their robust basil flavor. This variety is ideal for container gardening, making it an excellent choice for balconies, patios, or windowsills.

Ocimum basilicum 'Piccolino'

Ocimum basilicum 'Pistou'

'Ocimum basilicum 'Pluto'' is a compact cultivar that develops into rounded, bush-like plants reaching approximately 20 cm in height. It features delicate, medium-green foliage.

Ocimum basilicum 'Pluto'

Ocimum basilicum 'Profumo'

Ocimum basilicum 'Puck'

Ocimum basilicum 'Purple Delight'

Ocimum basilicum 'Queenette'

Ocimum basilicum 'Red Ball'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Red Boza' is a robust annual herb characterized by its dense growth and rich purple leaves. This variety emits a strong fragrance, making it ideal for enhancing Italian dishes. In late summer, it produces clusters of pink flowers that create a striking juxtaposition against the dark foliage.

Ocimum basilicum 'Red Boza'

Ocimum basilicum 'Rosie'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Salvo' is a robust annual that exhibits an upright growth form and a tidy appearance. Its aromatic leaves are mid-green and flavorful. During the summer, it produces appealing spikes of whorled white flowers. This variety is recognized for its resilience against diseases and adverse weather conditions.

Ocimum basilicum 'Salvo'

Ocimum basilicum 'Sanremo'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Special Spice'

Ocimum basilicum 'Sprinter'PBR

Ocimum basilicum 'Subja'

Ocimum basilicum 'Sweet Green' is a robust, bushy perennial typically cultivated as an annual. This plant features fragrant, vibrant green leaves that are edible. In the summer, it produces attractive spikes of tubular, white flowers. It is recognized for its sweet and slightly spicy taste.

Ocimum basilicum 'Sweet Green'

Ocimum basilicum 'Thai Sita' is a tender perennial characterized by its upright growth, reaching approximately 30 cm in height. It features slender, dark green leaves and stems that display a deep purple hue. The plant produces flowers that are a mix of purple and white, accompanied by dark purple bracts.