Ocimum basilicum
TAXONOMY
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusOcimum
Zone10
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Ocimum basilicum, commonly known as basil, is a herbaceous plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to tropical regions from central Africa to Southeast Asia. Basil is an annual or sometimes a short-lived perennial subshrub. It is widely cultivated for its aromatic leaves, which are used in cooking. Basil thrives in warm, seasonally dry climates.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Basil
Basilienhraut
Basilienkraut
Basilikum
Plectranthus Barrelieri
Sweet Basil
Thai Basil
Ocimum album
Ocimum anisatum
Ocimum barrelieri
Ocimum basilicum var. album
Ocimum basilicum var. basilicum
Ocimum basilicum var. densiflorum
Ocimum basilicum var. difforme
Ocimum basilicum var. glabratum
Ocimum basilicum var. majus
Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens
Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflorum
Ocimum bullatum
Ocimum caryophyllatum
Ocimum chevalieri
Ocimum ciliare
Ocimum ciliatum
Ocimum citrodorum
Ocimum cochleatum
Ocimum dentatum
Ocimum hispidum
Ocimum integerrimum
Ocimum lanceolatum
Ocimum laxum
Ocimum majus
Ocimum medium
Ocimum minus
Ocimum nigrum
Ocimum odorum
Ocimum scabrum
Ocimum simile
Ocimum thyrsiflorum
Ocimum urticifolium
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
GDD1,050
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
Basil requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It prefers moderate temperatures and high humidity. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid waterlogging. Basil can be grown both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile herb for various environments.Harvest
Ocimum basilicum, commonly known as basil, should be harvested just before the plant starts to flower for the best flavor. This typically occurs about 70 days after planting. To harvest, use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems just above a pair of leaves, which encourages the plant to branch out and continue growing. Regular harvesting will promote a bushier plant and prevent it from going to seed too quickly. It's best to harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day to preserve the essential oils in the leaves.Soil
Basil prefers well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to support its nutrient needs. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize basil every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant foliage.Repotting
Repot basil when it outgrows its current container, typically once a year. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Propagation
Basil can be easily propagated from cuttings or seeds. For cuttings, take a 4-inch stem cutting just below a leaf node, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or moist soil. For seeds, sow them in a seed-starting mix and keep the soil moist until germination.Pruning
Prune basil regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from flowering too early. Pinch off the top sets of leaves every few weeks to promote lateral growth. Remove any flower buds to keep the plant focused on leaf production.Toxicity
Basil is non-toxic to pets and humans. It is safe to grow in households with animals and children. However, consuming large quantities of basil essential oil can be harmful.Additional
To extend the harvest period, consider succession planting by sowing new seeds every few weeks. This ensures a continuous supply of fresh basil leaves throughout the growing season.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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