Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Family: Lamiaceae
Basil grows in full sun and prefers well-drained fertile soil. Water needs: Moderate.
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How to Grow Basil
Basil growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun, soil conditions listed as Well-drained fertile soil with a soil pH of 6.0-7.5, and Moderate water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 10-11. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Basil as 5-10 days, with planting or establishment depth listed as 1/4 inch. Days to maturity are listed as 60-90 days.
Plant Overview
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is listed in the Lamiaceae family and categorized as a herb with an annual life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Beginner.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0011
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Plant type
- Herb
- Life cycle
- Annual
- Alternate names
- Sweet basil
- Growth habit
- Bushy aromatic herb
- Mature height
- Approximately 12-30 inches depending on cultivar
- Mature spread
- Approximately 12-24 inches
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Growing Conditions
Basil is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate. The database soil reference is Well-drained fertile soil. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.5, and the listed hardiness range is 10-11.
- Hardiness zones
- 10-11
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Well-drained fertile soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5
- Water needs
- Moderate
- Plant spacing
- 8-12 inches
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 5-10 days and the seed depth is 1/4 inch. The listed time to maturity is 60-90 days. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 5-10 days
- Germination temperature
- About 70-85°F
- Seed depth
- 1/4 inch
- Sowing method
- Start indoors or direct sow after temperatures become warm
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 60-90 days
- Harvest
- Harvest leaves and shoot tips regularly; pinching encourages branching
- Propagation
- By seed or stem cuttings
- Pollination
- Flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects
Garden Information
- Common pests
- Aphids, Japanese beetles, slugs and spider mites
- Uses
- Fresh culinary herb, pesto, sauces, seasoning and garnishes
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.