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Sweet basil
Basil Sweet basil
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(Unranked): Angiosperms
(Unranked): Eudicots
(Unranked): Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Species: Ocimum basilicum
Synonyms

Albahaca
Basilicone
Basilic grand
Greek columnar basil
Sweet basil
Tulsi

Plant Data
Min germination temp: 10°C (50°F)
Max germination temp: 15°C (59°F)
Germination time: 5 days
Time to transplanting: +23 days
Time to harvesting: +36 days
Mature height: 45cm (18in)
Mature spread: 30cm (12in)
Ideal pH range: 5.5 - 7.0
Sow depth: ⅓cm (⅛in)
Sow spacing: 1cm (½in)
Growing plant spacing: 25cm (9in)
Growing row spacing: 25cm (9in)
References: [1]
Hardiness Zones
Ideal Hardiness Zones
· · · · 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 · ·

Sweet basill (known commonly as just basil) is the parent of the species Ocimum basilicum of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender low-growing herb. Basil is a culinary herb prominently featured in Italian cuisine, and also plays a major role in the Southeast Asian cuisines of Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. The plant tastes somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, sweet smell. There are many varieties of basil. That which is used in Italian food is typically called sweet basil, as opposed to Thai basil, lemon basil and holy basil, which are used in Asia. While most common varieties of basil are treated as annuals, some are perennial in warm, tropical climates, including African blue and Holy Thai basil.

Planner[]

J F M A M J J A S O N D
Sow indoors
Transplant outdoors
Harvest

Growing[]

Location[]

Basil can be grown easily on a windowsill for the full season. If growing outdoors, choose a sunny, well-drained spot.

Sowing[]

Sow under glass or indoors in March or April.

Transplanting[]

If growing outside, transplant in early June to growing positions. Plant 25-60cm (9-24in) apart depending on variety and how bushy you intend to make them.

Aftercare[]

Pinch out growing tips regularly for use in the kitchen, this will produce a bushy plant.

Harvesting[]

Harvest leaves when pinching out during the summer as required.

Storing[]

Dryed leaves retain a good amount of flavor. Otherwise freeze in ice cube trays and add to food as required.

Outdoor plants can be lifted and potted for indoor growing in September.

Troubles[]

Full troubles list: Mint troubles

References[]

  1. Basil. myfolia. Retrieved: 2010-08-27.
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Basil varieties
O. americanum American basil · Lime basil
O. basilicum Cinnamon basil · Dark opal basil · Fino verde basil · Genovese basil · Lettuce leaf basil · Magical Michael · Mammoth basil · Mrs. Burns lemon basil · Nufar basil · Osmin purple basil · Purple ruffles basil · Red rubin basil · Spicy globe basil · Sweet basil · Thai basil
O. gratissimum African basil
O. tenuiflorum Holy basil
Hybrid basils African blue basil · Lemon basil
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