Basil[a] (Ocimum basilicum[b]), also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known as Genovese basil or sweet basil.
Basil is a flavorful, leafy green herb that originated in Asia and Africa. It’s a member of the mint family, and many different varieties exist. Popular as a food seasoning, this aromatic herb is...
Whether you’re growing it in your backyard, on a patio, or right on your kitchen windowsill, basil is easy to grow and endlessly useful. From starting seeds indoors to snipping the perfect leaves for your next meal, we’ll walk you through how to plant, grow, and harvest basil like a pro.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a fragrant culinary herb from the mint family (Lamiaceae), widely used in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. Beyond its aroma and flavor, basil is valued for its impressive nutritional profile and natural plant compounds that may support health in multiple ways.
basil, (Ocimum basilicum), annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves. Basil is likely native to India and is widely grown as a kitchen herb. The leaves are used fresh or dried to flavor meats, fish, salads, and sauces; basil tea is a stimulant.
Benefits of basil may include helping prevent chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease. Basil is also good for your blood pressure and blood sugar.
Learn everything you need to know about how to grow basil, including planting, caring, harvesting, storing, and varieties of this tasty herb.
As you most likely know, basil is used to add flavor to a variety of recipes, but what may surprise you is the many benefits of basil that make it well-known for its immunity-enhancing properties.
Everything you need to grow abundant basil indoors and outdoors: varieties from Sweet Genovese to Thai and Holy Tulsi, planting timing, pinching technique for bushy growth, companion planting with tomatoes, bolting prevention, seed saving, and how to handle common problems like fusarium wilt and downy mildew.
Basil is a small, usually dense shrub with a very upright branching habit. It tends to be quite conspicuous in the garden due to its distinctly coloured foliage. Basil usually flowers from mid-summer. Unlike some herbs, it doesn’t die as soon as it flowers, but foliage will start to thin.