Basil, Sweet Basil
Ocimum basilicum

Family: Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Ocimum (OSS-ih-mum)
Species: basilicum (bass-IL-ee-kum)

Category
Annuals
Herbs

Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)

Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)

Hardiness
Not Applicable

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Danger
N/A

Bloom Color
White/Near White

Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall

Foliage
Aromatic

Other details
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Soil pH requirements
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From herbaceous stem cuttings
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost

Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored