Sweet Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Sweet Basil is a lush, aromatic annual herb prized for its glossy green leaves and signature spicy-sweet fragrance. A member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), it is a culinary staple in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, particularly known as the primary ingredient in traditional pesto. Its fast-growing, bushy nature makes it an ideal plant for sunny windowsills and kitchen gardens.
Light
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Moderate
Pet Friendly
Ocimum basilicum is considered non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses according to the ASPCA.
Care Guide
Sweet Basil Care Guide.
Light: Requires a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is best.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter with a neutral pH.
Temperature: Basil is extremely frost-sensitive; keep it in a warm environment between 70°F and 90°F.
Pruning: For a bushier plant, pinch off the center stem after it has produced three sets of leaves. Regularly remove any flower buds (bolting) to maintain leaf flavor.
Harvesting: Harvest leaves from the top down to encourage continuous growth.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced water-soluble organic fertilizer or compost tea
Soil
Rich, loamy, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
12-24 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
Growth Rate
Fast
Propagation
Easily propagated by seed or by rooting 4-inch stem cuttings in a glass of water.
Common Varieties
Genovese
Genovese basil is characterized by its large, glossy, dark green leaves that are broad and oval-shaped with a distinctive downward-curving, cupped appearance.
Thai
Thai basil is distinguished by its narrow, pointed green leaves with serrated edges and contrasting deep purple stems.
Dark Opal
Dark Opal' sweet basil is distinguished by its glossy, deep purple to near-black ovate leaves that occasionally exhibit subtle green mottling.
Lemon Basil
Lemon basil is characterized by its narrow, light green, lance-shaped leaves that are smaller and more pointed than traditional sweet basil varieties.
Purple Ruffles
The 'Purple Ruffles' variety is characterized by its deeply serrated, crinkled leaves that display a rich, dark purple hue and highly textured, fringed edges.
Cinnamon Basil
Cinnamon Basil is distinguished by its narrow, serrated dark green leaves with deep purple veining and striking reddish-brown stems.