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

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) — which can grow up to 3 inches long; ideal for kitchen gardens or as an ornamental in mixed borders, image 73

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — making it a must-have for those interested in infusing their cooking with fresh, image 74

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Basil thrives in full sun; integrate sweet basil into your garden for its aesthetic appeal, delightful scent, and, image 75

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — preferring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily; ideal for kitchen gardens or as an ornamental in mixed borders, image 76

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — and demands well-draining soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0; making it a must-have for those interested in, image 77

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — although care should be taken to avoid waterlogged soil.<br><br>During the summer months; ideal for kitchen gardens or, image 79

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — It requires consistent moisture; integrate sweet basil into your garden for its aesthetic appeal, delightful scent, and, image 78

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — tubular white or pale pink flowers on terminal spikes; making it a must-have for those interested in infusing their, image 80

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Integrate sweet basil into your garden for its aesthetic appeal, delightful scent, and culinary utility, image 81

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — red flowers in the garden; ideal for kitchen gardens or as an ornamental in mixed borders, image 82

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — herb with red blooms; making it a must-have for those interested in infusing their cooking with fresh, image 83

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — herb for full; integrate sweet basil into your garden for its aesthetic appeal, delightful scent, and culinary utility, image 84

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Ocimum basilicum, commonly referred to as Basil, is a fragrant annual herb renowned for its lush, green leaves; ideal, image 85

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, image 86

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Preferring well-drained soil, it requires regular watering; integrate sweet basil into your garden for its aesthetic, image 87

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Ideal for kitchen gardens or as an ornamental in mixed borders, image 88

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — its aromatic foliage is used in culinary dishes and deters pests; making it a must-have for those interested in infusing, image 89

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — accentuating its utility and allure; integrate sweet basil into your garden for its aesthetic appeal, delightful scent, image 90

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — commonly known as sweet basil; ideal for kitchen gardens or as an ornamental in mixed borders, image 91

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Sweet basil typically reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet and spreads 1 to 1.5 feet; making it a must-have for those, image 92

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — offering a compact bushy plant that exerts an upright growth habit; integrate sweet basil into your garden for its, image 93

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — which can grow up to 3 inches long; ideal for kitchen gardens or as an ornamental in mixed borders, image 94

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — making it a must-have for those interested in infusing their cooking with fresh, image 95

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) — Basil thrives in full sun; integrate sweet basil into your garden for its aesthetic appeal, delightful scent, and, image 96

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