Sweet Basil
Ocimum basilicum
A fast, bushy annual herb with glossy green leaves and a spicy-sweet scent. Classic for pesto and kitchen windowsills when you give full sun, warm temperatures, and pinch flower buds so leaves stay flavorful.
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 Notes
Light
Give at least 6-8 hours of direct sun. Indoors, a south window is best.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist, never soggy. Water at the base so foliage stays dry and fungal issues stay down. Use a pot with drainage holes.
Soil
A rich, loamy, well-draining mix with a pH around 6.0-7.5 supports fast leafy growth.
Humidity & Temperature
Basil is frost-sensitive. Keep it warm, about 70-90°F. Moderate humidity is fine.
Common Issues
Pinch the center after three leaf sets for a fuller plant. Remove flower buds so leaves keep their flavor. Harvest from the top down to keep new growth coming. Yellow leaves often mean wet soil or cool nights.
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
Large glossy dark green oval leaves that cup downward.
Thai
Narrow pointed green leaves with serrated edges on deep purple stems.
Dark Opal
Glossy deep purple to near-black ovate leaves, sometimes with light green mottling.
Lemon Basil
Narrow light green lance-shaped leaves, smaller and more pointed than classic sweet basil.
Purple Ruffles
Deeply serrated, crinkled dark purple leaves with fringed edges.
Cinnamon Basil
Narrow serrated dark green leaves with deep purple veining and reddish-brown stems.