sweet basil

Also known as: common basil; Greek royal; kiss-me-Nicholas; lemon basil

An aromatic tender annual or short-lived perennial, 30-60cm tall and 30cm wide, with bright green, elliptic leaves approximately 5cm long and 2-3cm wide. Many different cultivars available, varying in size and colour. Small, tubular white or pink-tinged flowers emerge in terminal, slightly hairy spikes in late summer

Scientific classification

Species: sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Genus: Ocimum
Family: Lamiaceae

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Toxicity: Annual Biennial · Herbs - Culinary
Plant type: 0.1-0.5 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: 20 – 30 °C
Ideal temperature

sweet basil pictures

Distribution of sweet basil

Distribution map

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of sweet basil

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sweet basil care guide

Water when top inch of soil dries out
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: 20 – 30 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Water when top inch of soil dries out

Fertilizing

Every 4 weeks with balanced liquid fertilizer

Pruning

Pinch out flowerheads as they appear to promote further leaf growth

Propagation

Propagate by seed in gentle heat in spring under glass or indoors, or sow in-situ in summer. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice

Growing

Grow as an annual, indoors, in moist but well drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Can move outdoors in summer. Best grown in a container. See basil cultivation for more information

More growing and care information →