Sweet Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Family: LamiaceaeNative: Central Africa to Southeast AsiaIdentified: Feb 26, 2026
An aromatic annual herb with ovate, bright green leaves that grow oppositely along square stems. It produces small white or purple flowers in spiked clusters at the top of the plant.
Learn more about Sweet Basil in the encyclopedia →Care instructions
Requires full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and well-draining soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, avoiding wetting the foliage. To encourage bushier growth and prolong leaf production, pinch off flower spikes as they appear.