Sweet Basil
(Ocimum basilicum)
Classic herb, used in tomato sauce, pesto and salads. Annual. Start early indoors or outdoors after danger of frost. 12-18"H. Sun.
| Plant Types: | Annual, Herb, Interior Plant, Perennial |
| Light: | Full Sun |
| Height: | 1 foot to 2 feet |
| Width: | 1 foot to 1 foot 6 inches |
| Zones: | 9a to 11b |
| Bloom Color: | Purple, White |
| Bloom Seasons: | Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer |
| Special Features: | Attractive foliage, Deer resistant, Edible, Fragrant foliage, Not North American native |
| Shape: | Rounded |
| Type of Soil Preferred: | Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Well-Drained |
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Plant Care
Planting:
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before last frost, or seed directly in the garden after the last frost date when soil is warm. Sow 1/4 inch deep. Place the seeds or transplants at least 10" apart. Spacing farther apart will encourage low, bushy plants to develop.
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before last frost, or seed directly in the garden after the last frost date when soil is warm. Sow 1/4 inch deep. Place the seeds or transplants at least 10" apart. Spacing farther apart will encourage low, bushy plants to develop.
Harvesting:
For best flavor, harvest leaves before their terminal bud flowers. Cold temperatures can ruin a crop, so harvest completely if temperatures are expected to drop below 40°F.
For best flavor, harvest leaves before their terminal bud flowers. Cold temperatures can ruin a crop, so harvest completely if temperatures are expected to drop below 40°F.
Plant Growth:
Basil does best with full sun.
Basil does best with full sun.
Blooming:
Although Basils do flower, generally the leaves on the stems that have yet to flower are the best for use as an herb. Often times the floral buds are pinched to promote more leaf production.
Although Basils do flower, generally the leaves on the stems that have yet to flower are the best for use as an herb. Often times the floral buds are pinched to promote more leaf production.
Soil and Irrigation:
Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Fertilization:
Use a complete fertilizer once during the growing season.
Use a complete fertilizer once during the growing season.
Pruning:
Pinch of terminal buds after 6 weeks of growth to encourage branching and delay flowering.
Pinch of terminal buds after 6 weeks of growth to encourage branching and delay flowering.
Pests:
Aphids. Ocimum is also prone to bacterial and fungal diseases.
Aphids. Ocimum is also prone to bacterial and fungal diseases.