Basil

Ocimum Basilicum

Design with this plant

Overview

Ocimum basilicum, commonly referred to as Basil, is a fragrant annual herb renowned for its lush, green leaves. Thriving in full sun, Basil reaches 1 to 2 feet in height and spreads about 1 foot wide. Preferring well-drained soil, it requires regular watering. Ideal for kitchen gardens or as an ornamental in mixed borders, its aromatic foliage is used in culinary dishes and deters pests, accentuating its utility and allure.

Sun FullWater MediumZones 2–11

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Ocimum basilicum, commonly referred to as Basil, is a fragrant annual herb renowned for its lush, green leaves

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Thriving in full sun, Basil reaches 1 to 2 feet in height and spreads about 1 foot wide

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Preferring well-drained soil, it requires regular watering

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Ideal for kitchen gardens or as an ornamental in mixed borders

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — its aromatic foliage is used in culinary dishes and deters pests

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — accentuating its utility and allure

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — commonly known as sweet basil

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Medium
USDA zones: 2–11

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Lamiaceae

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (112)

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Ocimum basilicum, commonly referred to as Basil, is a fragrant annual herb renowned for its lush, green leaves

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Thriving in full sun, Basil reaches 1 to 2 feet in height and spreads about 1 foot wide

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Preferring well-drained soil, it requires regular watering

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Ideal for kitchen gardens or as an ornamental in mixed borders

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — its aromatic foliage is used in culinary dishes and deters pests

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — accentuating its utility and allure

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — commonly known as sweet basil

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Sweet basil typically reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet and spreads 1 to 1.5 feet

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — offering a compact bushy plant that exerts an upright growth habit

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — which can grow up to 3 inches long

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — making it a must-have for those interested in infusing their cooking with fresh

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Basil thrives in full sun

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — preferring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — and demands well-draining soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — It requires consistent moisture

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — although care should be taken to avoid waterlogged soil.<br><br>During the summer months

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — tubular white or pale pink flowers on terminal spikes

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Integrate sweet basil into your garden for its aesthetic appeal, delightful scent, and culinary utility

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — red flowers in the garden

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — herb with red blooms

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — herb for full

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Ocimum basilicum, commonly referred to as Basil, is a fragrant annual herb renowned for its lush, green leaves; ideal for kitchen

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Thriving in full sun, Basil reaches 1 to 2 feet in height and spreads about 1 foot wide; making it a must-have for those interested

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Preferring well-drained soil, it requires regular watering; integrate sweet basil into your garden for its aesthetic appeal

Related plants

White Nancy Dead Nettle (Lamium Maculatum 'White Nancy') — Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy' is a shade-loving perennial ground cover

White Nancy Dead Nettle

Lamium Maculatum 'White Nancy'

Deep Shade · Zones 3–10

Hidcote English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote') — The Hidcote English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote') is a compact evergreen shrub

Hidcote English Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'

Full · Zones 9–11

Seer's Sage (Salvia divinorum) — Seer's Sage (Salvia divinorum) is a psychoactive perennial

Seer's Sage

Salvia divinorum

Shade · Zones 7–9

Purple Haze Hummingbird Mint (Agastache 'Purple Haze') — commonly known as Purple Haze Hummingbird Mint

Purple Haze Hummingbird Mint

Agastache 'Purple Haze'

Full · Zones 5–10

Sticky Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis russeliana) — commonly known as Sticky Jerusalem Sage

Sticky Jerusalem Sage

Phlomis russeliana

Full · Zones 4–10

Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus) — The Swedish Begonia, Plectranthus australis, is a versatile, evergreen perennial

Swedish Ivy

Plectranthus verticillatus

Half · Zones 10–11