Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the most beloved aromatic herbs, prized for its fragrant leaves and white flowers that bring both beauty and flavor to your garden. Known for its rich aroma and sweet flavor, Sweet Basil is a must-have for culinary enthusiasts and gardeners alike.
This warm-weather annual thrives in sunny garden beds, pots, or containers. The lush, green foliage produces a wonderful scent and can be used fresh or dried for cooking, making it perfect for sauces, salads, teas, and more. The small white flowers also attract bees and pollinators, making it beneficial for garden ecosystems.
Easy to grow and maintain, Sweet Basil seeds are ideal for beginners or experienced gardeners looking for a fragrant, edible, and ornamental plant.
Features
- Premium-quality Non-GMO Ocimum basilicum seeds
- Produces lush, aromatic green leaves and white flowers
- Excellent for culinary and ornamental use
- Fast-growing annual herb suitable for containers or gardens
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
- Great for warm climates and sunny windowsills
- Fresh or dried leaves for versatile kitchen use
Specifications
- Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum
- Common Name (US): Sweet Basil
- Plant Type: Annual herb
- Foliage Color: Bright to dark green
- Flower Color: White
- Height: 12–24 inches (30–60 cm)
- Spread: 10–18 inches (25–45 cm)
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
- Light Requirements: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
- Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Soil pH: 6.0–7.5
- Watering Needs: Regular, keep soil moist but not soggy
- Temperature Range: 70–90°F (21–32°C)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9–11 (grown as an annual elsewhere)
- Days to Germination: 5–10 days
- Seed Depth: 1/4 inch (6 mm)
- Plant Spacing: 12–18 inches (30–45 cm)
- Life Cycle: Annual
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Fertilizer: Balanced organic compost or herb fertilizer
- Pollinator Friendly: Yes
- Harvest Time: 60–75 days after sowing
- Maintenance Level: Easy
Planting Guide
- When to Sow: Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost, or directly sow outdoors after frost danger has passed.
- Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in moist, well-drained soil.
- Light Requirement: Place in full sunlight or under grow lights indoors.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Germination: Seeds germinate in 5–10 days under warm conditions (70–80°F).
- Transplanting: Move seedlings outdoors once they reach 3–4 inches tall and weather is consistently warm.
- Maintenance: Pinch off flower buds early to encourage leaf growth.
- Harvest: Harvest leaves regularly once the plant is 6–8 inches tall; avoid removing more than one-third at a time.
