GardenAway

Sorry, news is not available in your browser

Ocimum basilicum

Family Labiatae
Plant Type annual
Zone USDA:   9a - 11   RHS:   FH - FT   EGF:   H5 - G2   Australia:   3 - 5  
Care Level low, easy, suitable for beginners.
Height 15 - 70 cm (0.5 - 2 ft)
Spread 15 - 60 cm (0.5 - 2 ft)
Light full sun
Soil Moisture average, well-drained
Soil Type loam to sandy
Soil pH acidic to alkaline

Description The annual Ocimum basilicum (common basil) bears white, fragrant and repeat-blooming blossoms during early summer to early fall. This plant is clump forming and has showy, medium textured and fragrant foliage that is medium green and medium orange in colour. The stems are aromatic. Fragrant fruit are produced by Ocimum basilicum (common basil).
Typical Uses Annual, bedding plant, border, container, culinary, edging and vegetable garden.
Special Characteristics Hummingbirds are attracted to Ocimum basilicum .
Cautions With its very fast growth rate, Ocimum basilicum (common basil) will reach its mature size quickly. Keep this in mind when planning the layout of your garden. Reaching maturity quickly can be a benefit if you want your garden to look more established sooner. This plant is self-sowing, and without intervention may spread broadly and randomly.