Description
Oncimum basilicum – Basil – Sweet Basil –
‘Genovese Basil’ – grows 16-18″ inches tall and 12-16″ inches wide, space 15-18″ inches apart
O. Basilicum – Basil – From Tropical and subtropical Asia, it is grown as an annual that grows 12-24″ inches tall and 12″ inches wide. It forms an erect bushy, aromatic plant. It produces narrowly oval to elliptical leaves to 2″ inches long, are entirely or toothed, sometimes slightly hairy and bright green occasionally flushed deep purple. In late summer it bears whorls of 6 tubular, 2 lipped. sometimes pink-, purple tinged, white flowers to 1/2″ inches long in lax slightly hairy stems. There are many cultivars.
Grow in light, fertile, well drained soil in warm, sheltered site in full sun. Water freely during dry periods in summer. Pinch out flowerheads as soon as they appear to ensure continued leaf growth.
Prone to aphids, and variety of bacterial and fungal leaf, stem and rot diseases.
zones 9-11
