- Basil is called by many names like sweet basil or even Thai basil, but all of its common names refer to the herb's botanical name, Ocimum basilicum. Basil is a member of the large mint family, or Lamiaceae family, along with other culinary herbs like rosemary, sage, and lavender. Basilic is widespread over Asia, Africa and Central and Southern America; it appears to have its center of diversity in Africa. Basil was probably first put to cultivation in India. Herbaceous plant, coming from India and Indonesia, with its characteristic aromas, it is used as a condiment for foods, in ayurvedic medicine, herbal medicine and cosmetics. I always grow basil as this aromatic herb is a must-have in every garden. I want to share with you some o my basil photos
Basil Plant Description
Basil is a hairy, labiate plant, growing about 3 feet high. The stem is obtusely quadrangular, the labiate flowers are white, in whorls in the axils of the leaves, the calyx with the upper lobe rounded and spreading. The leaves, greyish-green beneath and dotted with dark oil cells, are opposite, 1 inch long and 1/3 inch broad, stalked and peculiarly smooth, soft and cool to the touch, and if slightly bruised exale a delightful scent of cloves.
Basil Varieties
There are several varieties, differing in the size, shape, odour and colour of the leaves. The Common Basil has very dark green leaves, the curled-leaved has short spikes of flowers, the narrow-leaved smells like Fennel, another has a scent of citron and another a tarragon scent, one species has leaves of three colours, and another 'studded' leaves.
- Basil Companion Planting with peppers work together symbiotically, each giving or receiving something from the other. Companion planting simply means grouping different, but complimentary, plants together. Basil is a plant suitable for growing alongside peppers.
- Read: Basil and Peppers Companion Planting
Christmas Basil have shiny green leaves and small purple flowers. the plant will reach up to 1.5 feet but is generally about a foot in height. Its flavor is a tad fruity and has been compared to wine. Its aroma does not betray its taste in that it has an evergreen scent reminiscent of pine. The origin of its name "Christmas" is uncertain whether it comes from its cold tolerance or pine like aroma.
. Cinnamon Basil
Cinnamon basil is tall and bushy reaching around 3 feet in height with an equal girth. The leaves are thin and serrated. Coloration green leaves and lilac colored stems, pointed light purple flowers. Cinnamon basil has a mild cinnamon flavor and aroma .
. Dark Opal Basil
This basil Reaches 12-18 inches in height and is easily maintained. In the culinary realm it is more full flavored and pungent than standard sweet basil and is used for both its flavor and color. Dark purple so far as flavor is concerned has been compared to ginger with a hint of anise.
. Green Ruffles Basil
This cultivar reaches a height of up to 2 feet and roughly 1.5 feet wide. Its leaves look like immature lettuce leaves, they are lime green and ruffled. The flowers are pinkish white, sometimes more white than pink. It is more delicate than many other varieties and requires more care . The flavor is comparable to sweet basil with a hint of cinnamon.
. Holy Basil
Holy basil attains a height of up to 1.5 feet. Have a bushy growth and produces stems and leaves that range in color from light green to dark purple.
. Genovese Basil
A sweet basil and one of the most commonly cultivated. It is an Italian variety . Its leaves are a crinkled dark green and extremely tender, So popular in pesto and assorted sauces and salads.This basil Should be started early indoors in most regions or outside after any danger of frost.
. Greek Basil
Greek Basil leaves are minute and bright green. The plant is small averaging about 1/2 to 1 foot in height, sometimes a tad taller. It is generally grown as an annual in most regions but has been known to grown for several seasons in warmer climates. It lends itself well to both edible gardens as well as landscape scenarios. It is mildly sweet and spicy and has been compared to cloves, so far as aroma is concerned it mimics the flavor but is not overly aromatic.
. Lemon Basil
It is named "Lemon" because it has a citrus flavor and aroma. The plant produces slender and narrow light green leaves. The flowers differ little from other basil cultivars in appearance but emit a lemony aroma.
. Lettuce Basil
Large Leafed Italian, Large Leaf Basil or Crispum Basil.This Plant reaches 1.5 to 2 feet in height. Crinkled delicate 3-4 inch medium green broad leaves. Mild flavor and aroma clove and mint, slight peppery taste.
. Sweet Basil
The most popular and widely used culinary herb. It is a tender annual,aromatic plant with a spicy odor and flavor. It grows 12-18 inches tall and foliage color can range from green to purple. Foliage size can vary from large lettuce-like leaves to very small leaves, half inch in size.
. Summerlong
A dwarf basil developed by Burpee that averages about 10 inches tall. What it lacks in height it makes up for in vigor. Summerlong retains its bushy stature and and produces longer than other varieties.
. Thai Basil
Thai Basil sometimes called Siam Queen. It is related to mint and is sometimes classified as a sweet basil. Siam Queen is native to southeast Asia. The plant produces has narrow green leaves, purple stems, and pinkish purple flowers. The leaves of this variety are larger than other Thai varieties and hence produces a much larger yield. It attains a height of 1 to 1.5 feet and grows in a bush habit. The flavor is spicy sweet with only a hint of cinnamon and licorice.
- Watch Basil and Peppers Companion Planting Video
This web site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. Some of the links to products on this site are affiliate links. These are products that I've used or recommend based from homesteading experience. I do make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) from these sales. (alert-warning)
(full-width)
This web site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. Some of the links to products on this site are affiliate links. These are products that I've used or recommend based from homesteading experience. I do make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) from these sales.(alert-warning)
(full-width)
