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Sweet Basil

Gardening Guide: The Basil Grower’s Guide: All You Need to Know About Growing and Cooking with Basil

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Sweet Basil

In this Plant Profile, get specific details, including the characteristics and best uses of Sweet Basil, one of our Plant Profiles featured in our Basil Collection.

By Norann Oleson

Sweet Basil

Sweet Basil

Probably the most popular and widely used culinary herb, sweet basil is the best choice for Italian sauces and soups and for making pesto. Sweet basil, sometimes called “common basil,” is a tender annual, aromatic plant with a full-licorice flavor and spicy clove aroma. Harvest the top four leaves often to keep your plants growing and sweetly flavored.

Sun Exposure

  • Full sun (six to eight hours)

Soil pH

  • 6.0 to 7.5

Hardiness Zones

  • 2 to 10 as an annual
  • 11 as a perennial

Spacing

  • Plant 8 to 18 inches apart

Moisture

  • Water 1 inch per week
  • Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy

Notes

  • Grows 12 to 24 inches tall
  • Lush green, pointed leaves
  • Foliage size can vary from large lettuce-like leaves to very small leaves
  • Prolific growers in hot, sunny locations
  • Varieties include Genovese, Napoletano, Italian Large Leaf, and Lettuce Leaf
  • Can be grown from seeds and indoors on a window sill during cooler seasons
  • Great for any recipe that calls for basil—it’s your everyday basil!

Do you grow sweet basil? If so, please tell us your top tips for ensuring a bountiful harvest.

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Tags

basil, lettuce

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Curator’s Corner
  • Introduction
  • Feature Articles

  • Choosing Varieties of Basil Plants
  • Growing Basil from Seeds, Cuttings or Seedlings
  • Growing Basil Indoors, in Open Land, in Raised Beds, or in Containers
  • Starting with the Right Soil for Your Basil Plants
  • The Right Sunlight for Your Basil Plants
  • Watering Your Basil Plants
  • How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent Basil-Plant Diseases
  • What to Do About Pests that Can Harm Your Basil Plants
  • Essential Tools and Equipment for Growing and Enjoying Basil
  • Plant Profiles

  • Cinnamon Basil
  • Lemon Basil
  • Purple Basil
  • Green Ruffles Basil
  • Thai Basil
  • Sweet Basil
  • Recipes

  • Basil Ice Cream
  • Basil-Potato Frittata
  • Easy Capellini with Basil and Tomatoes
  • Roasted Tomato-Basil Soup
  • Basil-Lemon Grilled Chicken
  • Basil-Watermelon Salad
  • Basil Pesto
  • Additional Articles

  • Nutrition Facts about Basil
  • Home Remedies & Health Benefits of Basil
  • Resources about Basil
  • Basil Glossary
  • Related Articles

  • How Much Water Does Basil Need?
  • 10 Helpful Plants for Bug Control in Your Kitchen Garden
  • An Edible Plant that Deters Mosquitoes for Your Vegetable Garden
  • 5 Different Types of Basil Gardeners and Chefs Love
  • The Basil Grower’s Guide—All You Need to Know About Growing and Cooking with Basil

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