Sweet Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Family
Lamiaceae
Origin
South/Central Asia
Difficulty
Easy
Sunlight
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Regular, keep moist
Temperature
18-30°C
Soil
Rich, moist, well-draining
Flowering
Summer (pinch to delay)
Height
30-60cm
Sweet Basil is the king of culinary herbs, essential for Italian, Thai, and Mediterranean cuisines. Its aromatic, slightly sweet leaves are used fresh or dried in countless recipes. Easy to grow from seed, it thrives in warm weather and rewards gardeners with abundant foliage throughout summer.
🌱Care Guide
Sow seeds after last frost or start indoors 6 weeks before. Plant in full sun with rich, moist soil. Pinch off flower buds to encourage leaf growth. Harvest regularly from the top to promote bushiness. Bring indoors before first frost as basil is very cold-sensitive.
🧬Evolution & History
Basil has been cultivated for over 5,000 years, originating in India and spreading through ancient trade routes to the Mediterranean. Over 60 cultivars have been developed, ranging from sweet to spicy, green to purple. The name 'basil' may derive from the Greek 'basileus' meaning king, reflecting its royal status in ancient cultures.
💡Fun Facts
- #1Sacred to the Hindu goddess Tulsi
- #2Alexander the Great reportedly brought basil to Europe
- #3In Italy, basil is a symbol of love — a pot on the windowsill meant 'come visit'
- #4Over 60 varieties exist, including chocolate, cinnamon, and lemon basil
❓FAQ
Why is my basil turning yellow?▼
How do I preserve basil for winter?▼
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