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Ocimum basilicum (Sweet basil)
1 hour care
per year
per year
0.5m
Max height
Max height
0.5m
Max spread
Max spread
1-2 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum
Other names
Sweet basil, Lemon basil, Common basil, Greek royal, Kiss-me-Nicholas, Greek basil, Sweet green basil
Genus
Ocimum Ocimum
Species
O. basilicum - O. basilicum is an aromatic herb with bright green, delicate leaves and spikes of small, tubular white or pink-tinged flowers in late summer.
Ocimum basilicum is: Deciduous
Fragrance
The foliage has aromatic leaves
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect
Flower
Insignificant or absent, White, Pink in Summer
Foliage
Bright-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Aphids , Leafhoppers Aphids , Leafhoppers
Powdery mildew Powdery mildew
General care
Pruning
Pinch out flower heads as they appear to ensure continued leaf growth. If left to flower, cut back after flowering.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Ocimum basilicum (Sweet basil) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 1-2 years.
Suggested uses
Add to salads, City, Containers, Drying, Flavouring food and drinks, Foliage only
Cultivation
Plant as an annual in light, well-drained, fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Ideally grown in a container or pot . Water freely in summer.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum
Other names
Sweet basil, Lemon basil, Common basil, Greek royal, Kiss-me-Nicholas, Greek basil, Sweet green basil
Genus
Ocimum Ocimum
Species
O. basilicum - O. basilicum is an aromatic herb with bright green, delicate leaves and spikes of small, tubular white or pink-tinged flowers in late summer.
Foliage
Deciduous
Fragrance
The foliage has aromatic leaves
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect
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Colour
Flower
Insignificant or absent, White, Pink in Summer
Foliage
Bright-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Pinch out flower heads as they appear to ensure continued leaf growth. If left to flower, cut back after flowering.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Ocimum basilicum (Sweet basil) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 1-2 years.
Suggested uses
Add to salads, City, Containers, Drying, Flavouring food and drinks, Foliage only
Cultivation
Plant as an annual in light, well-drained, fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Ideally grown in a container or pot . Water freely in summer.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
Defra's Risk register #1
Plant name
Ocimum basilicum (Sweet basil)
Common pest name
tomato thrips
Scientific pest name
Ceratothripoides brunneus
Type
Insect
Current status in UK
Absent
Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
3
Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
3
General biosecurity comments
Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.
About this section
Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.
Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here
Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.
Date updated: 7th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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DISCUSS THIS PLANT
Bitter Basil
My basil tastes bitter!
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