Ocimum basilicum

Ocimum basilicum, more commonly known as sweet basil, is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant native to 
Central Africa and Southeast Asia.  Prized for its applications in culinary creations, sweet basil plants produce fragrant and flavorful foliage, possessing deep veins and a bright green color.  Many flavor profiles are available with the numerous varieties of sweet basil, ranging from lemony-mint to licorice, and even cinnamon.  Sweet basil is typically grown as an annual in temperate climates where it dies during frosts, but it can be grown year-round in more tropical climates.  Pinching back sweet basil plants encourages a bushier growth habit and increased leaf production, as well as prolongs the time before flowering, which can lead to reduced growth.  

Outside of the hottest climates, provide sweet basil plants with a location that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day to encourage greater hardiness.  In environments that experience oppressive heat, an area that receives some shade during the middle of the day should help prevent scorching.  Rich, well-draining soil is ideal for growing sweet basil plants, and they often benefit from a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.  Sweet basil plants prefer regular, deep waterings in the morning hours, with the goal of maintaining moist soil.  Plant after daily temperature averages stabilize above 70°F / 21°C, as sweet basil plants are fond of heat but perish quickly when exposed to frost.  When regularly harvesting from your plants, feed them with an all-purpose fertilizer once per month to ensure they continuously regenerate their leaves.  Learn more in the Plant Story community!

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Ocimum Basilicum

Ocimum basilicum

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Ornamental

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