Genus: Ocimum

Common Names: basil

Description coming soon

Distribution: tropics and subtropics across the world

Care: Most, if not all, basil species require full sun and moist soil.  Weekly trimming and harvesting (from the top down) will promote newer, bushier growth. Pinch off any flowers or buds immediately to preserve flavor in the leaves.

Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese'

Common name(s): Genovese basil, Italian sweet basil

Description: annual; an heirloom seed strain of the classic Genovese Italian basil. The one to use for the most authentic pesto and Genovese cuisine. 

Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.

Position: full sun and moist, well-draining soil

Uses: culinary- pesto, sauces, pizza, pasta, etc.

Ocimum gratissimum

Common name(s): Tulsi Vana, wild basil, tree basil, clove basil

Description: perennial (requires protection from frost); a species widespread throughout South Asia and parts of Africa where it is commonly used in traditional medicine. Most popularly known as Tulsi Vana and marketed as an herbal tea. 

Height: to 4 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.

Position: full sun and moist, well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, culinary- herbal tea.

Ocimum basilicum × O. kilimandscharicum

Common name(s): African blue basil

Description: perennial (requires protection from frost); a sterile, hybrid basil with striking veined foliage and dark pink flowers. It has a higher camphor content than Italian basil but still makes a decent pesto. Long-flowering and one of the best basils to bring pollinators into the vegetable garden.

Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.

Position: full sun and moist, well-draining soil

Uses: culinary- pesto, sauces, pizza, pasta, etc., to attract pollinators

Ocimum selloi

Common name(s): green pepper basil

Description: perennial (requires protection from frost); a fascinating species of basil native to Brazil. Waxy, green leaves with a very distinctive green pepper taste. Chopped fresh in salads or sauces is a good start for figuring out what to do with it.

Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.

Position: full sun and moist, well-draining soil

Uses: culinary- salads, pesto, sauces, pizza, pasta, etc.

Ocimum sp. 'Married Man Pork'

Common name(s): married man pork basil

Description: annual; a seed strain from Guyana with a very curious name indeed. Very similar to Italian sweet basil but with a much more complex flavor and a sweet aroma with notes of citrus and vanilla. 

Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.

Position: full sun and moist, well-draining soil

Uses: culinary- pesto, sauces, pizza, pasta, etc.

Ocimum sp. 'Siam Queen'

Common name(s): Siam Queen Thai basil, Thai sweet basil, bai horapha

Description: annual; a seed strain of Thai sweet basil (bai Horapha) selected for long slender leaves and gorgeous purple flowers. It has an anise flavor that holds itself well under high heat and is essential in Thai curries and cuisines from all over Southeast Asia. 

Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.

Position: full sun and moist, well-draining soil

Uses: culinary- curries, phở, soups, stirfries, etc.

Ocimum tenuiflorum (sanctum)

Common name(s): Thai holy basil, bai kaprao (kaprow/krapow)

Description: annual; the signature ingredient in many Thai stir-fries. Flavor is peppery with notes of citrus but it does not hold as well under heat like Thai sweet basil. For best flavor add fresh leaves after a dish is taken off the heat.

Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.

Position: full sun and moist, well-draining soil

Uses: culinary- stir-fries, etc.