Sweet Basil, Genovese Basil, Thai Basil, Purple Basil, Lemon Basil, Holy Basil, Italian Large Leaf Basil, Napoletano Basil, Cinnamon Basil, Spicy Globe Basil, Lettuce Basil
Basil (Ocimum) is a beloved and aromatic herb essential to global cuisines. But with so many varieties available, how do you choose the right one? The key is to consider leaf size, flavor, intended use, and growing conditions.
Leaf Size
Large-leaved types like Italian Large Leaf and Lettuce Leaf Basil are ideal for wraps, salads, and generous harvests. Their broad foliage suits fresh eating and bulk pesto. Small-leaved varieties like Greek Basil are best for garnishes and tight spaces.
Flavor Profile
Basil flavors span from sweet and traditional (Genovese, Dolce Fresca) to spicy and warm (Cinnamon, Thai) to bright and citrusy (Lemon, Lime). Match your selection to your cooking style—Italian, Asian, or dessert-focused.
Flowering Habit
Some basil varieties, like Genovese, flower early and need regular pinching to stay productive. Others, such as Everleaf Emerald Towers, bloom much later, extending the harvest window with less maintenance.
Growing Location
For indoor growing or small containers, choose compact types like Dolce Fresca, Greek Basil, or Lemon Basil. In outdoor beds, more vigorous varieties, such as Italian Large Leaf, Cinnamon, or Everleaf Emerald Towers, thrive. Some, like Everleaf, also perform well in hydroponic systems.
Choosing the right basil ensures better flavor, easier care, and a more rewarding growing experience.
For classic Italian dishes and pesto, choose Genovese or Italian Large Leaf Basil. Prefer something milder and ornamental? Try Lettuce Leaf. If you enjoy sweet-and-spicy flavors, Cinnamon or Thai Basil are excellent picks. For compact spaces and tidy aesthetics, Everleaf Emerald Towers and Dolce Fresca are standout choices. Love citrusy notes in teas or desserts? Lemon and Lime Basil offer refreshing zest.
Basil is a frost-sensitive herb grown as an annual in most regions but behaves as a short-lived perennial in USDA zones 10–11. In cooler zones (3a–9b), start basil indoors and transplant outdoors once all danger of frost has passed. Exposure to cold will stunt or kill basil, so wait until temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C). Keep it Fresh: 20 Best Herbs to Grow Indoors All Year
Basil loves full sun (6–8 hours daily) and thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Raised beds, containers, and garden beds all work well. Mix in compost or aged manure to enhance fertility. In hot climates, partial afternoon shade helps reduce leaf scorch.
Sow seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost or direct sow outdoors once the soil has warmed. Plant seedlings or thin direct-sown basil 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) apart to promote airflow and reduce disease risk. For containers, select pots at least 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) deep.
Basil prefers evenly moist soil. Water when the top inch feels dry, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues. Container-grown basil dries out faster and may require daily watering in warm weather. Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer or use compost tea for an organic boost. Avoid overfeeding—too much nitrogen can dilute flavor.
Pinch off the top growth regularly once plants reach 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) tall to encourage bushy growth. Remove any flower buds unless you want the plant to go to seed. Frequent harvesting stimulates new leaves and intensifies flavor.
Basil cannot tolerate frost. In cooler zones, bring container basil indoors before temperatures drop or take cuttings to root in water. Grow on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights throughout winter.
Basil’s strong aroma and essential oils generally deter deer and rabbits. It is a useful border plant in vegetable gardens for added protection. According to the ASPCA, basil is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it safe for pet-friendly gardens.
Hardiness |
3 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Annuals, Herbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Ocimum |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 8" - 3' (20cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 8" - 2' (20cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Hardiness |
3 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Annuals, Herbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Ocimum |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 8" - 3' (20cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 8" - 2' (20cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!