Ocimum Species, Common Basil, Sweet Basil
Ocimumbasilicum

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

Category
Annuals
Herbs

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage
Shiny/Glossy

Foliage Color

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

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

Hardiness
Not Applicable

Where to Grow

Danger
N/A

Bloom Color
White/Near White

Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall

Other details

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