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Plant Profiles / Basil
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Basil
Ocimum basilicum · Sweet basil, Genovese basil
A fragrant summer herb with glossy leaves for pesto, salads and Italian cooking. Grows quickly in a warm, sunny pot.
Full sunLight
Every 1–2 days in heatWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
6 or more hours of sun.
Water
Every 1–2 days in heat
DryWet
Keep evenly moist.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
15–35°C (59–95°F)
CoolWarm
Dies with cold; plant after nights warm up.
Growth
Fast, bushy
SlowFast
Grows 30–60 cm.
Soil
Rich potting mix
LeanRich
Herb or vegetable mix.
Fertiliser
Fortnightly
RarelyOften
Liquid fertiliser for leafy growth.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic to pets.
About this plant
Basil comes from tropical Asia and loves heat. Pinching the tips keeps it bushy and delays flowering. It's an annual, so sow or plant fresh each spring.
Best spots
Sunny balconies, kitchen windowsills and herb pots.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Ocimum basilicum |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Origin | Tropical Asia |
| Plant type | Annual herb |
| Mature size | 30–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Flowers | White spikes |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Seed or cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Plant
Harvest
Pinch tips
PlantHarvestPinch tips
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Flowering early | Pinch out flower spikes. |
| Black leaves | Cold damage. |
| Wilting | Underwatering. |
| Holes in leaves | Snails or caterpillars. |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering or hungry. |
Common questions
How do I harvest?
Pinch above a leaf pair to encourage branching.
Can it grow indoors?
On a very sunny sill.
Why is it flowering?
Heat or stress; pinch flowers off.
Is it perennial?
No, it's an annual.
