How to Grow Basil

Beginner-Friendly

Ocimum basilicum

A tender annual herb with aromatic leaves. Pinch flowers to extend leaf production. Loves heat.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
25–35 days
typical
Per Square Foot
4
Plant Spacing
15 cm / 6"
Sun
6+ hours
Water
1.0" / 25 mm
Fertilization
light feeder

Growing Notes

Direct sow or transplant after last frost. Keep warm — basil sulks below 10 °C.

Varieties & Cultivars

10 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

1962 AAS winner

(1)
Dark Opal
25–35 days Open-Pollinated

clove-like aroma; colour fades in heat

Height
12–18" (30–46 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
4–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Citrus-scented leaves

(1)
Lemon
25–35 days Open-Pollinated

popular for teas and fish dishes

Height
12–18" (30–46 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (12 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
4–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Classic Ocimum basilicum

(1)
Sweet
25–35 days Open-Pollinated

smooth rounded shape; all-purpose culinary basil

Height
18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
4–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Classic large-leaf basil ideal for pesto

(1)
Genovese
Open-Pollinated

Height
18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
4–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Dwarf variety 20-30cm

(1)
Compact
40–50 days Open-Pollinated

good for containers; slow to flower; intensive sweet flavour

Height
6–12" (15–30 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (12 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
4–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Italian heirloom

(1)
Napoletano
65–80 days Open-Pollinated

mild sweet flavour; traditional for caprese and wrapping; slow to bolt; also called Lettuce Leaf basil

Height
18–30" (46–76 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.7 oz (20 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
4–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Spicy anise flavour

(1)
Thai
Open-Pollinated

Height
12–18" (30–46 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
4–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Spicy cinnamon aroma

(1)
Cinnamon
25–35 days Open-Pollinated

Mexican heirloom

Height
15–24" (38–61 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
4–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Sterile interspecific hybrid of camphor and sweet basil

(1)
African Blue
60–90 days Hybrid

perennial in frost-free zones; outstanding pollinator plant; non-seeding; propagate by cuttings

Height
18–30" (46–76 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
9–11
Seed saving
difficult
Seed viability
5 years

Vivid purple leaves and stems

(1)
Purple Delight
45–60 days Open-Pollinated

ornamental and culinary; adds colour to salads

Height
6–12" (15–30 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
4–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside basil, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Tomato : Tomatoes provide slight shade; the pair is mutually beneficial
Potato : Basil repels potato beetles and aphids
Eggplant : Basil repels aphids and spider mites from eggplant
Pepper : Peppers and basil share heat and sun preferences
Cauliflower : Basil repels aphids from cauliflower
Asparagus : Basil repels aphids and attracts pollinators near asparagus
Okra : Basil repels aphids and attracts pollinators near okra
Cucumber : Basil repels cucumber beetles
Broccoli : Basil repels aphids from broccoli

Keep Apart

Square Foot Spacing

4 per sq ft

6" apart (2×2 grid)

View full spacing chart →

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