About
A short-lived bushy perennial to 50cm high and is often grown as an annual culinary herb. The dark green leaves are aromatic with a citrus scent; spikes of small whitish flowers appear in late summer and early autumn.
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 hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a light, well-drained, fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun. May be grown as a short-lived sub-shrub in mild areas or over-wintered under glass
PruningPinch out flowerheads as they appear to ensure continued leaf growth. Cut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers, aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews