About
Ocimum basilicum, sweet basil, is an aromatic, tender annual or short-lived perennial 30�60 cm tall with vivid-green, elliptic leaves around 5 cm long. Small, tubular, white or pink-tinged flowers are produced in terminal spikes in late summer. The most popular culinary herb of the Mediterranean kitchen � indispensable for pesto, salads, and tomato dishes. Many cultivars vary widely in leaf size, colour and flavour.
About the genus
Ocimum are aromatic annuals, perennials or shrubs with opposite, linear to broadly-ovate leaves and small, tubular, white or pinkish flowers in whorls forming a spike. Widely grown as culinary and medicinal herbs.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbs - Culinary
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow as an annual, indoors, in moist but well drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Can move outdoors in summer. Best grown in a container. See basil cultivation for more information
PruningPinch out flowerheads as they appear to promote further leaf growth
PropagationPropagate by seed in gentle heat in spring under glass or indoors, or sow in-situ in summer. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and sage leafhopper
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews