VLoveof Nature

Sweet basil

Ocimum basilicum

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Sweet basil · Ocimum basilicum

Fragrant leaves for phở and fresh herbs; branches more when tips are picked.

Care and placement

Needs 6–8 hours of sun, about 25 mm of water a week when the top 2–3 cm is dry, a pot at least 30 cm wide, and pinching tips and flower buds to keep harvesting.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 60 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 40 cm

Things to consider

ASPCA lists basil as non-toxic to dogs and cats. Wash before eating; do not eat leaves that were sprayed or are infected with downy mildew.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in a pot at least 30 cm wide with drainage holes or in the ground, in loose humus-rich soil at pH 6.0–7.0. Frost-tender; plant when warm.

  2. Light

    At least 6 hours of direct sun, 8 is better.

  3. Watering

    Keep evenly moist at about 25 mm a week; water deeply when the top 2–3 cm is dry, at the base and not on foliage; no standing water in the saucer. Letting it go bone dry stresses it and speeds bolting.

  4. Feeding

    A light feeder: balanced liquid feed every 3–4 weeks or organic feed every 4–6 weeks. Avoid high nitrogen: big leaves but bland flavour.

  5. Pruning

    Once 15 cm tall with at least 3 leaf pairs, pinch just above a node so two branches grow; repeat every 1–2 weeks. Pinch flower buds the moment they appear to extend harvest by 4–6 weeks; flowering turns leaves bitter.

  6. Propagation

    Sow seed or root tip cuttings in water. Seeds germinate quickly in warmth. (Water cuttings follow common practice; the sources checked mainly cover seed.)

  7. Pests and common problems

    Aphids, whiteflies and spider mites: check weekly, use neem oil or insecticidal soap and keep airflow. Downy mildew (yellow leaves, grey fuzz underneath): plant in sun with airflow, avoid wetting leaves and remove affected leaves; sweet types are very susceptible. Fusarium wilt also occurs.

  8. For a bigger harvest

    For plenty of leaves: pinch often, remove flower buds, give enough sun, water steadily, feed lightly with low nitrogen and always harvest the tips. Pinching can nearly double yield.