About
Napoletano' is a bushy cultivar, up to 60cm tall, with relatively large, crinkled leaves, to 10cm long, and white or lavender-pink flowers in summer.
About the genus
Ocimum can be aromatic annuals, evergreen perennials or shrubs with opposite, linear to broadly-ovate leaves and small tubular white or pinkish flowers in whorls forming a spike
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
Height0.5-1 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 ensure continued leaf growth. Cut back after flowering
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 leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews