What it is
Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is in the Lamiaceae (Mint) family. The summer herb. Pinch the tops to keep it bushy and stop it from bolting to seed.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it even, and give it rich, well-drained soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 10–12 in apart. Expect roughly 60 from seed. Warm-season annual.
How it's used
Sweet Basil is used: fresh, pesto, dried.
🔎 How to identify it
- Opposite glossy green leaves
- Square stems (mint family)
- Sweet clove-anise aroma
Edibility
PartsLeaves and flowers
UsesFresh, pesto, dried
CautionPinch flowers to prolong leaf production.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.