Basil
Ocimum spp.
Basil3800ppx by ) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Tender
H1c
RHS hardiness
5°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
30cm | Max | 30cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Basil
Basil Overview
Ocimum is a genus of aromatic, annual, or evergreen perennial plants or shrubs in the Lamiaceae family, native to warm temperate and tropical regions worldwide but with a centre of diversity in Africa. Members of this genus can be aromatic annuals, evergreen perennials or shrubs that have opposite, slender to broad leaves and spikes of small, usually blue, purple, pink or white tubular flowers. Commonly cultivated species include Ocimum basilicum, or Sweet Basil, is extensively used for culinary and medicinal purposes, with many cultivars and hybrids available. Grow as an annual in pots on patio or windowsill, or in a sunny herb garden.
Common problems with Basil
How to propagate Basil
Seed
Special features of Basil
Attractive flowers
Attractive leaves
Pot plant
Other uses of Basil
Medicinal or culinary uses.
Edibles to Sow Outdoors in August
Successional sowings of these quick growing and cropping plants will fill spaces and ensure a prolonged harvest.
Explore allEdibles to Sow Outdoors in May
If the soil is warm enough, sow direct into prepared beds.