basil
Ocimum basilicum
RHS AGM 2012
USDA zones2 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size18 to 24 inches tall18 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Ascending
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Magenta
- Foliage color
- Green, purple/lavender, variegated, white
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an herb for borders, containers, and food gardens. It is typically grown as an annual. It is tender to cold, and the first hard frost will kill it. This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. It is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, though hungry ones will eat almost anything. The leaves are fragrant, and bees and butterflies visit the magenta blooms.
Pairs well with Oregano, African marigold, Nasturtium, and Garlic.
Native range
Tropical Asia.