Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Lamiaceae · Annual
Basil is a beloved culinary herb known for its fragrant, aromatic leaves essential in Italian and many Asian cuisines. It thrives in warm weather, producing lush foliage that adds a sweet, peppery flavor to dishes.
- · Provide plenty of sunlight and consistent moisture.
- · Pinch off flower buds to encourage more leaf growth.
- · Harvest leaves regularly to promote bushiness.
Serving Ideas
Torn fresh over pasta, tomatoes and pizza, or blended into pesto.
Recommended: grow and source this plant without synthetic chemicals or pesticides, and rinse thoroughly before eating.
IMPORTANT: please verify food safety independently. Errors and omissions may occur.
At a glance
- Growing zones: 2-11
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Moderate
- Maintenance: Low
- Type: Annual
- Mature size: 1-2 ft tall · 1-1.5 ft wide
- Bloom season: Summer · White to pink
- Pollinator friendly: Yes
- Container suitable: Yes
- Cold tolerance: Tender (frost sensitive)
- Heat tolerance: Good
- Soil: Well-drained, rich loam
- Growth rate: Fast
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