Basil

Botanical Name

Ocimum basilicum

Hardiness

Annual

Height

1 to 2 feet

Width

1 to 2 feet

Flowers

Mid summer: not effective

Light

Full sun

Soil

Moist, well-drained

Planting & Care

Basil seeds germinate in temperatures between 55 F to 60 F
Transplants should be hardened off before setting out in the garden. Plant only after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to 70 F.
Space plants 12 inches apart
Provide even, consistent moisture for best performance
Mulch the soil around the plants to suppress weeds and conserve moisture
Prune plants regularly for a fuller, more compact habit. Remove any developing flowers as soon as they appear.
Can be overwintered indoors

Problems

Slugs, snails

Varieties

Purple Ruffles - 1987 AAS winner; leaves are ruffled and serrated, glossy purple, 18-24"
Green Bouquet - lime green foliage, compact
Citriodorum - Lemon Basil, white flowers, lemon scented leaves, 12"