Basil.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Annual herb

Light

Full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours daily.

Indoor light

Direct sun

Water

Every 1 to 3 days

Mature size

1 to 2 feet

Growth rate

Fast

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 11

Bloom time

Mid to late summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root rot. Pinch off the top sets of leaves regularly to encourage a bushy shape and prevent premature flowering. Watch for wilting, which is a clear sign your plant is thirsty.

Watering

Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Feeding

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Pruning

Pinch back the growing tips weekly to promote branching and delay flowering.

Repotting

Basil is typically grown as an annual, so repotting is rarely necessary.

Soil

Well draining, nutrient rich potting mix.

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.5

Temperature

10 to 35°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Drought tolerance

Low

Lifespan

Annual, typically one growing season.

Fragrance

Strong

Deer and rabbits

Moderate

Safety

People

Basil is non-toxic to humans.

Children

There are no specific safety concerns for children handling this plant.

Contact allergens

Some people may experience mild skin irritation from the essential oils in the leaves.

Airborne allergens

The pollen is not typically an airborne allergen.

Edibility

Basil is generally safe, but avoid excessive consumption if you are pregnant or nursing.

How to identify it

• Opposite, oval shaped bright green leaves
• Strongly aromatic, sweet and peppery scent
• Small white or purple flower spikes
• Square stems typical of mint family

Height

0.3 to 0.6m

Spread

0.2 to 0.4m

Leaves

green, purple, deciduous

Flowers

white, pink, 0.5 to 1cm

Problems to watch for

• AphidsCommon
• BoltingCommon
• Downy MildewCommon
• Fusarium WiltUncommon
• Root RotUncommon
• Slugs and SnailsUncommon
• Japanese BeetlesRare

Growing it

Propagation

seed, cuttings

When to plant

spring, early summer

Overwintering

Basil is frost-sensitive and will die in cold weather. Bring pots indoors before the first frost if you wish to extend the season.

In containers

Basil grows very well in containers, provided the pot has good drainage and is at least 20 cm wide.

Planting basil near tomatoes is a classic pairing that benefits both plants in the garden.

Grows well with

• Tomato · Basil is said to improve the flavor of tomatoes when grown nearby.
• Pepper · They share similar water and light requirements.

Keep away from

• Rue · Rue can inhibit the growth of many herbs when planted in close proximity.

Similar species

• Thai Basil · It has a distinct anise flavor and purple stems.
• Holy Basil · It is a different species often used for medicinal tea.

Science

Family

Lamiaceae

Genus

Ocimum

Order

Lamiales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Tropical regions of central Africa to Southeast Asia.

Conservation

Basil is widely cultivated and is not of conservation concern.

It thrives in warm, sunny environments with well-draining soil.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

culinary herb, container gardening, companion planting

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why is my basil flowering?

It is bolting, which happens when the plant reaches maturity or experiences stress.

Can I grow basil indoors?

Yes, it thrives on a sunny windowsill with at least six hours of light.

Where the name comes from

The name originates from the Greek word basilikon, meaning royal plant. It was historically associated with royalty.

Good to know

• Basil belongs to the mint family.
• The name comes from the Greek word basileus, meaning king.
• Pinching off flower buds keeps the plant producing leaves longer.