HerbBasil
Sweet Basil
Genovese Basil
Sweet basil is a tender annual herb native to tropical Africa and Asia, now cultivated worldwide for its aromatic, glossy leaves and culinary versatility. Growing 12 to 24 inches tall with a bushy, upright habit, it reaches harvestable size in 50 to 89 days depending on conditions. The plant thrives in full sun and moderate moisture, producing fragrant white to purple flowers from June through frost that attract pollinators. Hardy in zones 2 through 11 when grown as a cool-season or container annual, sweet basil is intolerant of frost but can be rooted indoors for winter use.
Photo © True Leaf Market(https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/basil-seeds-sweet)
Growing Conditions
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam
Preferred Temp70-85°F
Growth Stats
24 in
Height
24 in
Width
PeriodAnnual
TypeBush
Spacing
12-18 inches apart
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
?-?
Size
24in H x 24in W
Growth
Annual
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
Sweet basil's tender, glossy leaves grow on the characteristic square stems of the mint family, developing a bushy form when pinched early in the season. The aromatic foliage and showy summer flowers make it as ornamental as it is practical, especially when grown in containers or herb gardens. Regular harvesting encourages dense, productive growth, and the plant's low maintenance and deer resistance mean it thrives with minimal fussing once established.
Common Uses
Sweet basil is primarily grown for its culinary leaves, harvested fresh throughout the season for use in pasta sauces, pesto, salads, and cooked dishes where its warm, slightly peppery aroma brightens Mediterranean and Asian preparations. The tender leaves are best used fresh, added near the end of cooking to preserve their volatile oils and delicate flavor. The plant also serves ornamental purposes in gardens and containers, with its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers adding visual and sensory appeal.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Early Summer
First Harvest
Mid-summer
Last Harvest
Early Fall
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Sow seeds indoors in early spring in a warm location, targeting germination temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Start seeds 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost date to have sturdy transplants ready when soil warms.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant seedlings or purchased plants outdoors once all threat of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Harden off indoor-started seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Space transplants 12 inches apart in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
Harvesting
Begin harvesting once plants reach 6 to 8 inches tall, pinching leaves from the top to encourage bushy growth. Harvest in the morning when essential oils are most concentrated. Continue harvesting regularly throughout the growing season to maintain vigor and leaf quality. If frost or cold weather is forecast, harvest all remaining basil immediately, as the plant will be destroyed by freezing temperatures.
Pruning
Pinch out the growing centers of young plants to encourage branching and a full, bushy form rather than tall, leggy growth. Continually harvest leaves throughout the season to stimulate new growth and delay flowering. Pinch off flower spikes as they form if you want to prioritize leaf production over flowers; allowing some blooms supports pollinators and provides visual interest.
Growing Calendar
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Deer ResistantEdible
Soil pH Range
6 – 7
Bloom Time
June To Frost
Tolerances
DeerRabbit
Scientific Classification
Ocimum L.
Family
Lamiaceae
Genus
Ocimum
History & Origin
“Ocimum basilicum originated in tropical regions of Africa and Asia, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The form we know today as sweet basil represents a traditional selection that has been grown and saved by gardeners worldwide. Rather than a named breeding line, this is the classic, open-pollinated basil that home gardeners have relied on for generations, passed down through seeds and cuttings across continents and cultures. Its long history as a popular kitchen herb reflects the simplicity and reliability that make it accessible to anyone growing herbs for the first time.”