nature of your neighborhood logo

Basil

Basil, (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, is an annual herb of the mint family, grown for its aromatic leaves. Basil is widely grown as a kitchen herb. Basil leaves are glossy and oval-shaped, with smooth or slightly toothed edges that typically cup slightly; the leaves are arranged oppositely along the square stems. The small flowers are borne in terminal clusters and range in color from white to magenta. The plant is extremely frost-sensitive and grows best in warm climates. Description from Britannica 

Home  >  Plant Guide  >  

Basil

Basil fast facts

Scientific Name

Ocimum basilicum

Family

Lamiaceae

Garden Type

Container Appropriate, Edible Garden, Anywhere

Wildlife

Bees, Butterflies

Native Plant Region

No

Light needs

Full Sun

Water Needs

Medium

Plant Type

Annual

Bloom Color(s)

Pink, Purple

Height

0 – 2 feet

Width

1 – 2 feet

Months in Bloom

June, July, August, September

Safe Beneath Power Lines?

Yes
basil

Have feedback on this plant listing?

We’d like to maintain accurate and robust plant listings. If you see information that is not correct or that could be added to improve the listing, please let us know. Or if you’d like to suggest a plant to add to our plant guide, you can use this form do so. Thank you!

Start Nurturing Your Neighborhood Today

seedlings
Community

Capitol Hill Seed Library

Gardeners can check out seeds for free from the library to plant. Then after harvest, gardeners bring seeds back to the library for others to enjoy in future growing seasons.

READ MORE
Community

Get Gardening!

Start a garden in a planting strip along the street. Explore our interactive corridor map, find what to grow, and start nurturing today.

READ MORE