Live basil plant in a 3-4 inch container. Plant sizes vary.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, common basil, or Thai basil, is used in cuisines worldwide and is the perfect addition to the kitchen herb garden. While it doesn’t taste anything like mint, basil is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae. It’s an easy choice for beginner herb gardeners and will thrive in containers making it a great apartment plant.

A fresh basil plant will allow you to make pesto, Caprese, herbed butter, vinaigrettes, and more. Dry your basil leaves to create spice mixes or flavor winter soups and sauces. Fresh basil can also be chopped and frozen in butter or olive oil.

Historically, people used basil in herbal medicine as a carminative to relieve flatulence, promote appetite, and treat other stomach ailments. Add basil to your own herbal tea blends.

How to Grow Basil Plants

Transplant basil into the garden or move outdoors to a deck or patio after all danger of frost has passed. Basil is a heat-loving herb and grows best when daytime temperatures are above 70, and nighttime temperatures remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Basil thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and full sunlight. Water your basil plant regularly for best production.

Use mulch around the base of the plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Basil plants may benefit from some fertilizing throughout the season, especially those grown in containers or indoor mini herb gardens. Side dress basil plants with finished compost or organic, all-purpose fertilizer.

Basil is a cut-and-come-again type plant that does best when heavily harvested. To harvest, pick or clip off basil tops just above sets of emerging leaves. This method will encourage your plant to become bushier.

• Tender Annual

• Light: Full Sun

• Soil: Well-Drained, Fertile

• Soil pH: 6.0-7.5

• Mature Size: 18-24 inches tall

• Medicinal

• Culinary