Greek Columnar Basil
Ocimum basilicum var. minimum
Greek Columnar Basil is a compact, dense, bushy subshrub featuring extremely small, narrow, bright green leaves arranged in a tight, spherical or columnar growth habit. The stems are square, characteristic of the mint family, and branch profusely.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water
- Water deeply whenever the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Drought tolerance is low; allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, but never let it dry out completely.
- Growth
- Compact, bushy perennial typically grown as an annual, reaching a mature height and spread of 8 to 12 inches with a slow to moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide full sun with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil becomes dry, avoiding overhead watering to prevent foliage moisture issues. Plant in well-draining potting mix and feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering
Water deeply whenever the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Drought tolerance is low; allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, but never let it dry out completely.
Soil
Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with a neutral pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 11 as a perennial, typically grown as an annual in cooler temperate zones.
Growth habit
Compact, bushy perennial typically grown as an annual, reaching a mature height and spread of 8 to 12 inches with a slow to moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Blooms in mid to late summer, producing tiny tubular flowers in white or pale pink spikes.
Propagation
Propagated easily from stem cuttings placed in water or moist potting mix, or from seeds sown in spring after the last frost.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. Common pests include aphids and whiteflies, which can be managed with insecticidal soaps or strong water sprays.
Similar species
Genovese basil, which has much larger, broader, and flatter leaves compared to the very small, dense foliage of Greek basil.