Sweet Basil is a beloved herb, cherished for its aromatic leaves and versatile culinary uses. This annual plant features bright green, slightly glossy leaves that are packed with a distinctive sweet and slightly peppery flavor. Sweet Basil is a staple in many kitchens, used fresh in salads, pesto, and pasta dishes, or dried for long-term use. Its rapid growth and high yield make it a popular choice for both home gardeners and professional chefs alike, ensuring a steady supply of this essential herb throughout the growing season.
Ed's Plant Profile
- Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
- Common Name: Purple Basil
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native Range: Central Africa
Ed's Care Guide
- Care Level: Easy
- Light: Prefers medium to bright light, direct sunlight is best
- Water: Allow first inch of soil to dry out before watering. Tolerates being dry better than being soaked. This plant is drought tolerant.
- Humidity: Can tolerate any humidity
- Temperature: 55-75F
- Pruning: Prune as needed to harvest for seasoning
- Feeding: Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer about once a month during spring and summer
- Growth: Compact and shrubby, will take over a pot when happy
- Propagation: Cuttings
- Pests: Very few, scale is possible
- Toxicity: Safe for humans and pets
Caring for your Sweet Basil is easy and rewarding, making it a great herb for gardeners of all experience levels. This plant thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to develop its best flavor. Plant Sweet Basil in well-draining soil and water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Pinching back the growing tips will encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from flowering too soon, which can reduce the leaf's flavor quality. With these simple care tips, your Sweet Basil will flourish, providing a fresh and aromatic addition to your culinary endeavors all season long.