Basil
Basil is a herb in the Lamiaceae family. It grows best in full sun with medium moisture, and is listed for USDA zones 2-13. Plants reach harvest about 54–90 days after planting and sit about 6 inches apart.
Varieties
25 from High Mowing, Seeds Now & True Leaf Market · sorted by days to maturity▸Sweet Thai54–72 days
Compact habit; Edible and ornamental
Exotic clove-licorice flavor perfect in Thai cuisine. Lovely potted herb, edible bedding plant and cut flower for floral arrangements. Gorgeous narrow green leaves with vivid dark purple stems and blossoms; adored by bees. Leaves are 2” long and plants reach 12-18” tall. 28M seeds/oz. O. basilicum
Growing notes: The herbs we offer in this section were chosen for their exceptional aroma, flavor, disease resistance and appeal. We offer tried-and-true standards, such as Genovese basil and Italian Flat Leaf parsley, alongside more modern varieties that have impressed us in our trials, like Aroma 2 F1 basil, resistant to fusarium wilt and slow to bolt, and Rutgers Devotion and Obsession basils with downy mildew resistance. Most herbs are compact and easy to grow, making them suitable for containers, greenhouses and small gardens.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Rosie55–75 days
Compact, upright habit; Edible and ornamental
Intense dark purple-red color with mild and aromatic basil flavor—a favorite in our trials. An improved strain of Rubin with very uniform germination and stand, no green off-types and stronger, more upright stems. Tall lavender flower spikes are lovely in bouquets and should be pinched for better leaf production. 20M seeds/oz. O. basilicum.
Growing notes: The herbs we offer in this section were chosen for their exceptional aroma, flavor, disease resistance and appeal. We offer tried-and-true standards, such as Genovese basil and Italian Flat Leaf parsley, alongside more modern varieties that have impressed us in our trials, like Aroma 2 F1 basil, resistant to fusarium wilt and slow to bolt, and Rutgers Devotion and Obsession basils with downy mildew resistance. Most herbs are compact and easy to grow, making them suitable for containers, greenhouses and small gardens.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Genovese58–78 days
Excellent for processing; Field or containers
Basil lovers unanimously recommend Genovese as the best variety for pesto. Plants are strong producers of dark green, glossy leaves with a characteristic spoon shape, exceptionally tender texture and distinctive, sweet flavor excellent in sauces and cooking. 10-12” plants. 18M seeds/oz. O. basilicum
Growing notes: The herbs we offer in this section were chosen for their exceptional aroma, flavor, disease resistance and appeal. We offer tried-and-true standards, such as Genovese basil and Italian Flat Leaf parsley, alongside more modern varieties that have impressed us in our trials, like Aroma 2 F1 basil, resistant to fusarium wilt and slow to bolt, and Rutgers Devotion and Obsession basils with downy mildew resistance. Most herbs are compact and easy to grow, making them suitable for containers, greenhouses and small gardens.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Gustoso58–78 days
Genovese-type; For container production
Compact container basil with large, spoon-shaped leaves and beautiful dark green coloration. This Genovese-type has been bred specifically for container production. Good mildew resistance makes for excellent greenhouse potential. Fragrance is strong and typical, without mint or lemon notes. High yielding and uniform with reliable commercial performance. From our partners at Smarties.bio. 730 seeds/gram. O. basilicum
Growing notes: The herbs we offer in this section were chosen for their exceptional aroma, flavor, disease resistance and appeal. We offer tried-and-true standards, such as Genovese basil and Italian Flat Leaf parsley, alongside more modern varieties that have impressed us in our trials, like Aroma 2 F1 basil, resistant to fusarium wilt and slow to bolt, and Rutgers Devotion and Obsession basils with downy mildew resistance. Most herbs are compact and easy to grow, making them suitable for containers, greenhouses and small gardens.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Aroma 260–80 days
Holds well in field/storage; Resists bolting
Resistance: HR: Fusarium Wilt
The standard for commercial growers with thick, dark green leaves. An improved Genovese-type with 3” leaves and strong fusarium wilt resistance. For field or greenhouse. Plants are 20-24” tall. Superior characteristics to Aroma 1. 18.5M seeds/oz. O. basilicum
Growing notes: The herbs we offer in this section were chosen for their exceptional aroma, flavor, disease resistance and appeal. We offer tried-and-true standards, such as Genovese basil and Italian Flat Leaf parsley, alongside more modern varieties that have impressed us in our trials, like Aroma 2 F1 basil, resistant to fusarium wilt and slow to bolt, and Rutgers Devotion and Obsession basils with downy mildew resistance. Most herbs are compact and easy to grow, making them suitable for containers, greenhouses and small gardens.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Cinnamon (Mexican Basil)60–85 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow
Cinnamon Basil, also called Mexican Basil, has glossy, deep green leaves that turn reddish at the tips when mature, and dark cinnamon-colored stems. Its warm, sweet cinnamon-anise flavor is especially nice in ham and pork dishes, apple pie and other desserts, and kombucha. By far the most popular variety and possibly one of the most fragrant, this basil grows easily. Its aroma will remind you of sweet cinnamon and it is popular for use in hot drinks and paired with fresh fruit. This sweet basil is exotic and has dark green leaves with purplish-red stems and purple blooms. It's spicy and has a cinnamon-like taste and scent. If you like making homemade potpourris or dried flower arrangements try adding some cinnamon basil! The violet flower spikes make an unusual garnish or addition to salads. Harvest the leaves and stems from the top part of the plant, and pinch off edible flower buds as they appear, which prevents the leaves from turning bitter, and signals the plant to branch out and grow more leaves, making a bushier plant. The more you harvest, the more it grows! Cinnamon-anise flavor Tons of medicinal benefits! Good for indoor gardens Good for containers As a medicinal herb, Basil has been used internally to treat anxiety, colds, colic, cough, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, flu, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal parasites and worms, exhaustion, gastric pain, gonorrhea, lactation problems, migraine headache, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, and vomiting, and externally to treat acne, insect bites and stings, loss of smell, skin problems, snake bites. ⚠️ Do not use medicinally while pregnant. ⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally. Plant Basil in your garden to attract hummingbirds, pollinators, and other beneficial insects. Basil is also know to repel aphids, asparagus beetles, cabbage moths, cabbage white butterfly, cabbage worms, carrot rust fly, flies, maggots, mice, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, and tomato hornworms! Shop all Basil Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Basil 📚 Grow Guide: Basil Health Benefits of Cinnamon Basil Cinnamon basil is a must have, medicinal herb. It offers anti-inflammatory benefits and can relieve symptoms of arthritis! If you suffer from allergies, diabetes, colds, the flu, or infertility, some would swear by the benefits of consuming cinnamon basil and how it's improved their health. It is even used in the treatment of some cancers. It naturally boosts your immune system and is a known anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Are you growing this yet?...because you should be! Ways to Consume Cinnamon Basil Use this exotic and fragrant basil in any recipe that calls for basil. The sweet flavor is great when paired with other fruity herbs. Pick the leaves when small and tender and use them in your favorite recipes or put them in bottles of olive oil to make cinnamon flavored oil. Cinnamon basil pairs harmoniously with apple pie filling, apple sauce, pork or ham dishes. Add frozen basil leaves to soups or sauces. Cinnamon basil can also be used to make refreshing teas, hot or cold! See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board Follow SeedsNow.com's board Basil on Pinterest. Shop all Basil Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Basil 📚 Grow Guide: Basil
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Dark Opal60–75 days
Heirloom; AAS Winner; Container; Annual
Non-GMO, Heirloom Dark Opal Basil Herb Seed from True Leaf Market. Ocimum basilicum x purpurascens. As basil has many different varieties, Dark Opal Basil Herb is a striking heirloom that was grown during the 1950s at the University of Connecticut. With smooth burgundy-colored leaves, Dark Opal Basil gives off a bold aroma that's a blend between licorice, mint, ginger and sweet tea. Note: This seed varies widely in color, please be aware that the percentages of green and purple vary from lot to lot and is in no way consistent.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Dark Opal Purple60–90 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow
Dark Opal Purple Basil is a dark, fragrant beauty with its glossy, deep black-purple leaves that shimmer with iridescence in bright light, plum-colored stems, and edible violet flower spikes that make a spectacular garnish. A 1962 All-America Selections Winner! This annual basil plant produces extremely fragrant dark purple leaves. It can be used as a garnish or to make flavored vinegars. This basil drys excellently and is very easy to grow. Gardening in a small space or wanting to use a container? This variety grows great in them! Use it to add sweet, intense anise flavor and a dreamy purple color to pesto or bruschetta, or mix it into a moody Caprese salad with Black Krim Tomatoes. Harvest the leaves and stems from the top part of the plant, and pinch off edible flower buds as they appear, which prevents the leaves from turning bitter, and signals the plant to branch out and grow more leaves, making a bushier plant. The more you harvest, the more it grows! Sweet, intense anise flavor Slow to bolt (flower) 1962 All-America Selections (AAS) Winner Good for containers Tons of medicinal benefits! As a medicinal herb, Basil has been used internally to treat anxiety, colds, colic, cough, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, flu, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal parasites and worms, exhaustion, gastric pain, gonorrhea, lactation problems, migraine headache, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, and vomiting, and externally to treat acne, insect bites and stings, loss of smell, skin problems, snake bites. ⚠️ Do not use medicinally while pregnant. ⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally. Plant Basil in your garden to attract hummingbirds, pollinators, and other beneficial insects. Basil is also know to repel aphids, asparagus beetles, cabbage moths, cabbage white butterfly, cabbage worms, carrot rust fly, flies, maggots, mice, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, and tomato hornworms! What is Dark Opal Purple Basil? This sweet and very popular variety of basil has gorgeous purple-black glossy foliage and a delicious aroma. It's eye catching and a beautiful, colorful garden plant. This basil produces small to medium sized, tender leaves. It is slow to bolt and grows at a steady pace. The dark purple has a green metallic undertone or sheen and in bright light it can appear flat and open. Health Benefits of Dark Opal Purple Basil Dark Opal Purple Basil has a variety of medicinal benefits and has been known to improve digestive functions, treat acne and insect bites, improve nausea, and work as a sedative for muscle spasms and cramps. Ways to Consume Dark Opal Purple Basil Like many basil varieties, Dark Opal Purple Basil has a degree of licorice flavor, and it is used in the culinary world as an attractive garnish with good flavor. Use this herb fresh or dried and even frozen. It works wonderfully in salads and on sandwiches. The uses for this herb are endless and everyone should take advantage of this fresh and spicy leaf. See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board Follow SeedsNow.com's board Basil on Pinterest. Shop all Basil Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Basil 📚 Grow Guide: Basil
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Deep Purple60–80 days
Low rate of green off-types
Resistance: IR: Downy Mildew; Fusarium Wilt
Uniform stand of vibrant purple leaves with specialty appeal and sweet basil flavor. The dark purple leaves are situated evenly in an upright growth habit, making for easy harvest. Plants are pleasantly uniform and very rarely throw green off-types. Suited for baby leaf production, for containers and potted culture and for greenhouse and open field, commercial production. From our partners at Genesis Seeds. 20M seeds/oz. O. basilicum
Growing notes: The herbs we offer in this section were chosen for their exceptional aroma, flavor, disease resistance and appeal. We offer tried-and-true standards, such as Genovese basil and Italian Flat Leaf parsley, alongside more modern varieties that have impressed us in our trials, like Aroma 2 F1 basil, resistant to fusarium wilt and slow to bolt, and Rutgers Devotion and Obsession basils with downy mildew resistance. Most herbs are compact and easy to grow, making them suitable for containers, greenhouses and small gardens.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Dwarf Greek60–75 days
Heirloom; Container; Annual
Non-GMO, Open-pollinated, Heirloom Dwarf Greek Basil Herb Seed from True Leaf Market. Ocimum basilicum. As basil has many different varieties, Dwarf Greek Basil Herb is one of the smaller, ancient herbs" as it's over 4,000 years old and native to the Mediterranean and South Asian regions. This basil heirloom is small enough to grow on your patio and is an essential ingredient in many Italian dishes. With light-green leaves that develop into a compact, spherical-shaped bushes, Dwarf Greek Basil plants give off a peppery and sweet aroma. This type of sweet basil is often used as a flavorful addition to tomato sauces or soups. As basil is known for its medicinal benefits, Dwarf Greek Basil leaves can be chewed to aid digestion.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Greek60–80 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow
Greek Basil is a small-leaf dwarf variety that grows into a tight dome, about 1’ tall and wide. A great one for containers, hanging baskets, and indoor gardens. The bright green, oval leaves and soft stems have hints of clove and anise, and keep their flavor when dried. Use this variety to flavor herb butters and vinaigrettes, and the edible flowers as a garnish or salad green. Harvest the leaves and stems from the top part of the plant, and pinch off edible flower buds as they appear, which prevents the leaves from turning bitter, and signals the plant to branch out and grow more leaves, making a bushier plant. The more you harvest, the more it grows! Basil-clove-anise flavor Compact plant Good for indoor gardens Good for containers Tons of medicinal benefits! As a medicinal herb, Basil has been used internally to treat anxiety, colds, colic, cough, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, flu, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal parasites and worms, exhaustion, gastric pain, gonorrhea, lactation problems, migraine headache, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, and vomiting, and externally to treat acne, insect bites and stings, loss of smell, skin problems, snake bites. ⚠️ Do not use medicinally while pregnant. ⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally. As a companion plant, it attracts hummingbirds, pollinators, and beneficial insects, and repels asparagus beetles, cabbage moths, cabbage white butterfly, cabbage worms, carrot rust fly, flies, maggots, mice, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, and tomato hornworms. Shop all Basil Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Basil 📚 Grow Guide: Basil See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board Follow SeedsNow.com's board Basil on Pinterest. Shop all Basil Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Basil 📚 Grow Guide: Basil
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Herb Mix60–90 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow
Enjoy some of our most popular varieties of Basil Herbs. This is a special blend of basil varieties we carry, sure to be a show stopper! You'll enjoy a wide variety of Basil plants with incredible fragrance and great flavors! Very easy to grow and extremely popular. Best Seller! See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board: Follow SeedsNow.com's board Basil on Pinterest. Shop all Basil Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Basil 📚 Grow Guide: Basil
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Licorice60–75 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow
Licorice Basil is a type of Thai basil with a pleasant, sweet licorice flavor. Beautiful as a fragrant and ornamental accent throughout the garden, and delicious in salads, baked goods, and pasta sauce. It’s also pleasant to look at with deep green leaves that sometimes show a burgundy tinge, plum-colored stems, and lavender flower spikes that make a fun garnish for any salad, dish, or drink. Harvest the leaves and stems from the top part of the plant, and pinch off edible flower buds as they appear, which prevents the leaves from turning bitter, and signals the plant to branch out and grow more leaves, making a bushier plant. The more you harvest, the more it grows! Sweet, pleasant licorice flavor Thai basil type Edible ornamental Good for containers Tons of medicinal benefits! As a medicinal herb, Basil has been used internally to treat anxiety, colds, colic, cough, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, flu, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal parasites and worms, exhaustion, gastric pain, gonorrhea, lactation problems, migraine headache, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, and vomiting, and externally to treat acne, insect bites and stings, loss of smell, skin problems, snake bites. ⚠️ Do not use medicinally while pregnant. ⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally. As a companion plant, it attracts hummingbirds, pollinators, and beneficial insects, and repels asparagus beetles, cabbage moths, cabbage white butterfly, cabbage worms, carrot rust fly, flies, maggots, mice, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, and tomato hornworms. Shop all Basil Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Basil 📚 Grow Guide: Basil This basil variety produces lovely and flavorful green leaves with purple accents. It has a strong, but enjoyable licorice flavor and can grow up to 24" tall. What is Licorice Basil? This basil is a type of Thai Basil, also known as anise basil. It has strong licorice and anise flavors, qualities and aromatics. It's known to be slightly "lanky" with pointed green leaves with signature purple flowers. Both the leaves and flowers are edible on this plant. Health Benefits of Licorice Basil Licorice Basil can be used for treating the common cold, the flu, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, earaches, headaches, upset stomachs, heart disease, fever, and more. It promotes longevity but something you may not know is that its an excellent mosquito repellent! Ways to Consume Licorice Basil When Licorice Basil leaves are crushed, they burst with intense basil and licorice aromas. Fragrant and floral, the spicy paste is a condiment for multiple dishes. This basil is best when mixed with other ingredients to tame it's powerful one-dimensional notes. See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board Follow SeedsNow.com's board Basil on Pinterest. Shop all Basil Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Basil 📚 Grow Guide: Basil
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Prospera® Red DMR F160–80 days
Field or containers
Resistance: IR: Downy Mildew; Fusarium Wilt
Eye-catching red basil with downy mildew resistance. Flavorful and aromatic red basil with shiny leaves and elegant growth. Downy mildew resistance makes this variety an excellent candidate for open field and greenhouse cultivation. Can be mixed with other basil varieties for specialty appeal. Suitable for full size and baby leaf production. From our partners at Genesis Seeds. 750 seeds/gram.
Growing notes: The herbs we offer in this section were chosen for their exceptional aroma, flavor, disease resistance and appeal. We offer tried-and-true standards, such as Genovese basil and Italian Flat Leaf parsley, alongside more modern varieties that have impressed us in our trials, like Aroma 2 F1 basil, resistant to fusarium wilt and slow to bolt, and Rutgers Devotion and Obsession basils with downy mildew resistance. Most herbs are compact and easy to grow, making them suitable for containers, greenhouses and small gardens.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Red Velvet Leaf60–75 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow
Red Velvet Leaf Basil is a delight for all of your senses. When you see the firm, smooth, deep burgundy leaves, you must touch them, which releases a divine anise fragrance that you have to nibble, and then you hear your own sigh of gratitude that this enchanting herb is growing in your garden, producing all summer long. Harvest the leaves and stems from the top part of the plant, and pinch off edible flower buds as they appear, which prevents the leaves from turning bitter, and signals the plant to branch out and grow more leaves, making a bushier plant. The more you harvest, the more it grows! Rich basil flavor Culinary, medicinal, and ornamental Good for indoor gardens Good for containers Tons of medicinal benefits! As a medicinal herb, Basil has been used internally to treat anxiety, colds, colic, cough, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, flu, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal parasites and worms, exhaustion, gastric pain, gonorrhea, lactation problems, migraine headache, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, and vomiting, and externally to treat acne, insect bites and stings, loss of smell, skin problems, snake bites. Works as well with garlic and tomato as it does with honey and fruit, and makes a rich herbal tea. Dress up a Lollo Rossa Lettuce salad with the edible amethyst flowers. YIELD Do not use medicinally while pregnant. YIELD Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally. As a companion plant, it attracts hummingbirds, pollinators, and beneficial insects, and repels asparagus beetles, cabbage moths, cabbage white butterfly, cabbage worms, carrot rust fly, flies, maggots, mice, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, and tomato hornworms. Shop all Basil Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Basil 📚 Grow Guide: Basil This Red Velvet Leaf Basil plant produces high yields of deed red-colored leaves that are very aromatic. It will produce continuously all season long, and grows perfect in containers. What is Red Velvet Leaf Basil? This variety of basil boasts unusual reddish-purple leaves and has a stronger flavor than most other types. It is appealing in salads, and used often as a garnish. It's been known to repel mosquitoes too! You can raise this type of basil indoors in a sunny window or outdoors in areas with warm summers. Health Benefits of Red Velvet Leaf Basil Red Velvet Leaf Basil is packed with phyto-nutrients and health benefits. Rub crushed leaves on your skin to repel mosquitoes. It is a potent anti-oxidant with anti-inflammatory properties as well. This basil is an excellent source of iron and has been known to clear the mind and uplift the spirit. Ways to Consume Red Velvet Leaf Basil Try Red Velvet Leaf Basil in your favorite salads, fruit jams, sauces, tea or paired with fresh fruit. Garlic flavors pair beautifully with this basil also. See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board Follow SeedsNow.com's board Basil on Pinterest. Shop all Basil Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Basil 📚 Grow Guide: Basil
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Siam Queen60–75 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; AAS Winner; Container; Annual
Non-GMO, Heirloom Siam Queen Thai Basil Herb Seed from True Leaf Market. Ocimum basilicum. As basil has many different types, Siam Queen Thai Basil is a sweet cultivar that originated from Southeast Asia. This genuine Thai Basil grows 4" rich-green leaves with purple stems"giving off a spicy clove and licorice scent. This large-leaf tropical herb is often grown as an ornamental garden. Thai Basil has also been used as a medicinal remedy to aid insomnia, colds, digestion, and skin irritation. With its strong anise flavor and active growth, Siam Queen Basil makes an ideal ingredient in Thai cuisine or fresh zesty salads.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Thai Sweet Large Leaf60–90 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Container; Annual
35-40 Days to maturity. Ocimum basilicum. Sweet Large Leaf Thai Basil Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, organic, open-pollinated, heirloom. Suitable for growing in fields, containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. A sweet large leaf Thai basil strain that produces tender leaves tasting somewhat like anise and producing a pungent aroma. The plants are about 1.5-2 feet tall and can be perennial in warm tropical climates, but are usually annuals everywhere winters cold. Does better in hot, dry conditions. ~22,000 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Cinnamon65–75 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Container; Annual
Non-GMO, Open-pollinated, Heirloom Cinnamon Basil Herb Seed from True Leaf Market. Ocimum basilicum. As basil has lots of different varieties, Cinnamon Basil Herb is one of the most popular sweet basil cultivars to grow. This basil variety has been used as a medicine in many ancient cultures. In Mexico, Cinnamon Basil is made into an herbal tea. In Ancient Egypt, this aromatic type of basil was part of embalming. Cinnamon Basil plants produce methyl cinnamate"the component which gives off that bold spicy scent and toasty, sweet flavor. Sweet basil such as Cinnamon, is often cooked in Thai cuisine or added as a garnish.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Lettuce Leaf65–85 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow
Let us tell you about Lettuce Leaf Basil. It’s a lovely Italian basil that grows huge leaves as big as your hand, with a flavor that’s sweeter and less spicy than other basils. Its crinkles hold onto dressing in salads, you need only one leaf for a sandwich or wrap, and you can use the rest as you would any other basil. Save the edible flower spikes to garnish seafood dishes and cocktails. Harvest the leaves and stems from the top part of the plant, and pinch off edible flower buds as they appear, which prevents the leaves from turning bitter, and signals the plant to branch out and grow more leaves, making a bushier plant. The more you harvest, the more it grows! Sweet and mild Huge 5"-6" leaves Grows 1'-2' tall Good for containers Tons of medicinal benefits! As a medicinal herb, Basil has been used internally to treat anxiety, colds, colic, cough, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, flu, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal parasites and worms, exhaustion, gastric pain, gonorrhea, lactation problems, migraine headache, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, and vomiting, and externally to treat acne, insect bites and stings, loss of smell, skin problems, snake bites. ⚠️ Do not use medicinally while pregnant. ⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally. As a companion plant, Basil attracts hummingbirds, pollinators, and beneficial insects, and repels asparagus beetles, cabbage moths, cabbage white butterfly, cabbage worms, carrot rust fly, flies, maggots, mice, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, and tomato hornworms. Shop all Basil Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Basil 📚 Grow Guide: Basil Health Benefits of Genovese Basil Basil is a known health tonic for expecting mothers and when mixed with tea it increases lactation in mothers. It is also a nerve tonic and young children are sometimes encouraged to chew on the leaves of basil because it stimulates brain cells and can increase memory. See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board Follow SeedsNow.com's board Basil on Pinterest. Shop all Basil Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Basil 📚 Grow Guide: Basil
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Nufar65–89 days
Improved Italian large leaf
Resistance: IR: Fusarium Wilt
Aromatic, Italian large leaf basil with sweetly scented and flavored leaves growing up to 4” in length. Plants are robust and visually appealing with good uniformity and growth habit. The large, highly scented leaves have a depth of flavor perfect for making pesto and cooking. Plants are deep green and have good resistance to fusarium wilt. Ideal for the home gardener as a single, highly productive plant or for the commercial producer looking to fill bags and/or bunches quickly. From our partners at Genesis Seeds. 20M seeds/oz. O. basilicum
Growing notes: The herbs we offer in this section were chosen for their exceptional aroma, flavor, disease resistance and appeal. We offer tried-and-true standards, such as Genovese basil and Italian Flat Leaf parsley, alongside more modern varieties that have impressed us in our trials, like Aroma 2 F1 basil, resistant to fusarium wilt and slow to bolt, and Rutgers Devotion and Obsession basils with downy mildew resistance. Most herbs are compact and easy to grow, making them suitable for containers, greenhouses and small gardens.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Prospera® (CG1) DMR F168–80 days
UP; Classic Genovese-type; Bred for downy mildew resistance
Resistance: IR: Downy Mildew; Fusarium Wilt
Beautifully long, glossy leaves with excellent flavor and improved downy mildew resistance. This sweet and aromatic, Genovese-type basil is the newest release from Genesis Seeds. With excellent resistance to downy mildew and fusarium wilt, this lovely basil keeps in the field and is suitable for greenhouse, field, and container production. 750 seeds/gram.
Growing notes: The herbs we offer in this section were chosen for their exceptional aroma, flavor, disease resistance and appeal. We offer tried-and-true standards, such as Genovese basil and Italian Flat Leaf parsley, alongside more modern varieties that have impressed us in our trials, like Aroma 2 F1 basil, resistant to fusarium wilt and slow to bolt, and Rutgers Devotion and Obsession basils with downy mildew resistance. Most herbs are compact and easy to grow, making them suitable for containers, greenhouses and small gardens.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Rutgers Devotion DMR70–80 days
UP; Slow to bolt; Extremely uniform
Resistance: HR: Downy Mildew; Fusarium Wilt
An aromatic and sweet, Genovese-type basil with excellent downy mildew resistance. This improved basil is another great achievement from the efforts of Rutgers University and KBC Specialty Seeds. Uniform, flat-to cup-shaped leaves are tender, flavorful and productive throughout the growing season. These aromatic leaves attract shoppers at the farmers market and are the ideal basil type for making pesto. A solution for growers experiencing losses associated with downy mildew. 19.9M seeds/oz.
Growing notes: The herbs we offer in this section were chosen for their exceptional aroma, flavor, disease resistance and appeal. We offer tried-and-true standards, such as Genovese basil and Italian Flat Leaf parsley, alongside more modern varieties that have impressed us in our trials, like Aroma 2 F1 basil, resistant to fusarium wilt and slow to bolt, and Rutgers Devotion and Obsession basils with downy mildew resistance. Most herbs are compact and easy to grow, making them suitable for containers, greenhouses and small gardens.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Rutgers Obsession DMR70–80 days
UP; Slow to bolt; Extremely uniform
Resistance: HR: Downy Mildew; Fusarium Wilt
Very attractive, compact plants with strong downy mildew resistance. This line of downy mildew resistant basil has been trialed against market standards across the country and has come up aces every time. In our own field trials in northern Vermont, Obsession also impressed us with high marks for plant vigor and bolt tolerance. Plants have a high leaf- to-stem ratio and average 26” in height. Suitable for field or potted plant production. We are excited to offer Obsession as organic seed thanks to KBC Specialty Seeds. 19.9M seeds/oz. GREEN BASIL - O. basilicum
Growing notes: The herbs we offer in this section were chosen for their exceptional aroma, flavor, disease resistance and appeal. We offer tried-and-true standards, such as Genovese basil and Italian Flat Leaf parsley, alongside more modern varieties that have impressed us in our trials, like Aroma 2 F1 basil, resistant to fusarium wilt and slow to bolt, and Rutgers Devotion and Obsession basils with downy mildew resistance. Most herbs are compact and easy to grow, making them suitable for containers, greenhouses and small gardens.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Italian Large Leaf75–85 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow
Italian Large Leaf Basil has soft, crinkled, bright green 2"-4" leaves, and a sweeter flavor than the Genovese Basil. Aromatic and delicious, use it to flavor herbal tea, herb butter, oil, vinegar, pasta and pizza sauce, antipasto, smoothies, curries, cocktails, Caprese salad, dressing, and pesto. The edible flower spikes make a beautiful garnish. Reliable producer and all-around great Italian basil. Harvest the leaves and stems from the top part of the plant, and pinch off edible flower buds as they appear, which prevents the leaves from turning bitter, and signals the plant to branch out and grow more leaves, making a bushier plant. The more you harvest, the more it grows! Sweet and spicy with less clove Genovese type Grows 1'-2' tall Good for containers Tons of medicinal benefits! As a medicinal herb, Basil has been used internally to treat anxiety, colds, colic, cough, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, flu, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal parasites and worms, exhaustion, gastric pain, gonorrhea, lactation problems, migraine headache, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, and vomiting, and externally to treat acne, insect bites and stings, loss of smell, skin problems, snake bites. YIELD Do not use medicinally while pregnant. YIELD Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally. As a companion plant, Basil attracts hummingbirds, pollinators, and beneficial insects, and repels asparagus beetles, cabbage moths, cabbage white butterfly, cabbage worms, carrot rust fly, flies, maggots, mice, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, and tomato hornworms. Shop all Basil Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Basil 📚 Grow Guide: Basil The Italian Large Leaf Basil plant will produce medium to large leaves that can measure up to 4" long! It is of heirloom variety and is extremely fragrant and used widely in the culinary industry. If you're a lover of basil, this would be a good variety to plant in your garden. What is Italian Large Leaf Basil? Italian Large Leaf Basil is an annual plant that will produce edible and fragrant leaves, flowers, and continue to put off a few more leaves through the process of ending it's life cycle. This basil grows well in "filtered light" (meaning near a bright window or under a tree), and it grows best in 50-90 degree weather. Warm, but not too warm. Health Benefits of Italian Large Leaf Basil Italian Large Leaf Basil has anti-bacterial properties and anti-inflammatory effects. It's been known to help people with inflammatory health problems like arthritis or IBS. Basil also contains properties that mimic food preservatives so it makes good sense to try and include more basil into the foods you prepare at home. Basil will help naturally preserve them so they'll be safer, longer. Basil also contains all the good stuff needed for better cardiovascular health. Ways to Consume Large Leaf Italian Basil Use this variety of basil in your favorite Neapolitan cuisine dishes! Use the extra large leaves, fresh or dried, in tomato dishes, pasta sauces, vegetable dishes and soups. See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board Follow SeedsNow.com's board Basil on Pinterest. Shop all Basil Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Basil 📚 Grow Guide: Basil
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Red Rubin75–85 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Container; Annual
Non-GMO, Open-pollinated Red Rubin Basil Herb Seed from True Leaf Market. Ocimum basilicum x purpurascens. As basil has many different types, Red Rubin Basil is a sweet cultivar and hybrid relative of Dark Opal. This herb grows large Italian-type 3" magenta-colored leaves"giving off a pungent clove spice with mild sweetness. This hybrid basil variety originated in Denmark and cultivated in 1992. With high contents of antioxidants, Red Rubin Basil is often used fresh or made into zesty vinegars or sauces such as purple basil pesto.
View on True Leaf Market ↗
Plant spacing
In a square-foot bed, space basil about 6 in apart — that fits 4 plants in each 1-foot square (2×2). Wider rows or containers space the same.
Plan your basil planting
Add basil to a free GardenDraft plan and get sow, transplant, and harvest dates computed for your ZIP code — with a drag-and-drop bed layout and reminders when it’s time to plant.
Start your free plan →At a glance
Storing & preserving
Keep on the counter in water like cut flowers — cold turns it black.
- Freeze: Blend with oil and freeze in cubes, or freeze as pesto.
- Dry: Dries easily but loses much of its aroma.
General home-preservation guidance — for tested processing times and safety, follow the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
Growing timeline
Companion planting — with cited sources
From US/Canada cooperative-extension publications and peer-reviewed studies. Evidence-tier dots show how strongly each recommendation is backed: ●●● peer-reviewed mechanism · ●● extension consensus · ● traditional knowledge with a plausible mechanism.
Pairs well with (9)
- Ají PepperEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter
Companion interactions equivalent to other domesticated Capsicum spp.; see sweet-bell-pepper / hot-pepper entries for full data.
Source: S7
- AsparagusEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter, flavor-folklore
Basil is traditionally interplanted with asparagus in kitchen gardens; basil volatiles may have mild repellent activity against asparagus beetle, but specific replicated extension data are absent. Tier C.
Source: S1
- Cayenne PepperEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter
Companion interactions for cayenne are equivalent to other Capsicum annuum cultivars; see common-bell-pepper / hot-pepper entries for full data. Basil's eugenol and linalool volatiles have documented deterrent activity against thrips, aphids and whiteflies in lab assays.
Source: S7, Bekele & Hassanali, 2001
- Common TomatoEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter, flavor-folklore
Basil volatiles (linalool, eugenol, methyl chavicol) repel whitefly and thrips in lab choice assays (Bekele & Hassanali 2001); field trials in tomato show mixed but generally favorable results. The traditional 'basil improves tomato flavor' claim has no empirical backing but is a deeply established practice. Basil also fills bed gaps and supports bees.
Timing: Transplant basil after soil reaches 18 C, same window as tomato.
Source: Penn State Extension, University of Maryland Extension, Bekele & Hassanali, 2001
- Habanero PepperEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter
Companion interactions equivalent to other domesticated Capsicum spp.; see sweet-bell-pepper / hot-pepper entries for full data.
Source: S7
- Hot PepperEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter, pollinator-attract
Hot pepper companion interactions mirror those of sweet bell pepper since both are Capsicum annuum. Basil's volatile oils deter several pepper pests and basil flowers attract pollinators and parasitoids.
Source: S7, Bekele & Hassanali, 2001
- OkraEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpollinator-attract, pest-deter
Basil interplanted with okra is a traditional Southern practice; basil volatiles may repel some thrips and whitefly, and the flowering basil supplies nectar for parasitoid wasps. Mechanism plausible but empirical replication in okra systems is limited.
Region: Southeastern US summer gardens.
Source: S11
- Sweet Bell PepperEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter
Same volatile-oil rationale as for tomato — basil interplanted with sweet pepper may reduce thrips and whitefly pressure; bed-mate benefit and pollinator support are the more consistent gains.
Source: University of Maryland Extension
- Tabasco PepperEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter
Companion interactions equivalent to other domesticated Capsicum spp.; see sweet-bell-pepper / hot-pepper entries.
Source: S7
Avoid planting near (3)
- Black WalnutEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationallelopathy-negative
Basil is commonly cited in garden references as juglone-sensitive, so siting it away from black walnut is a reasonable precaution. (Note: it is not consistently listed in university-extension juglone tables, so confidence is low.)
Source: S5, Penn State Extension
- Common RosemaryEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationflavor-folklore
Traditional charts pair basil away from dry-loving Mediterranean herbs because of conflicting water needs rather than chemical antagonism. Spatial/cultural avoidance rather than allelopathy.
Source: University of Maryland Extension
- Common SageEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationflavor-folklore
Traditional caution based on conflicting cultural needs (basil prefers richer, moister soil than sage); folklore-tier rather than chemical antagonism.
Source: University of Maryland Extension
Sources cited
- S1
- Cornell University Cooperative Extension — vegetable production guides
- S11
- University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
- S28
- Bekele & Hassanali, 2001 — basil volatile bioassay
- S5
- Michigan State University Extension
- S6
- Penn State Extension
- S7
- University of Minnesota Extension
- S9
- University of Maryland Extension — Home & Garden Info Center
Care & troubleshooting— extension-sourced, with citations
When to feed, prune & water
Attract beneficial insects and protect pollinators
Protection- Routine carePlant insectary flowers and tolerate light pestsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Grow a diversity of flowering plants (including small-flowered umbels and asters) to feed predators and parasitoids, and tolerate low pest numbers so natural enemies have prey to stick around.
- Routine careNever spray open bloomsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Avoid insecticides on flowering plants and apply any needed sprays in the evening when pollinators aren't active, and favor selective products over broad-spectrum ones to spare bees and beneficials.
Harvest basil regularly
Pruning- Routine carePinch above a leaf pair often· every 10 daysstrong evidence — extension confidence
Harvest by pinching stems just above a pair of leaves every week or two; frequent cutting keeps plants bushy, productive, and slows flowering. Remove any flower buds promptly to keep leaves tender and flavorful.
Mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture
Mulch- Routine careApply organic mulch around plantsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Spread a few inches of straw, shredded leaves, or compost around established plants (keeping it off stems) to hold soil moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature; wait until soil has warmed for heat-loving crops.
Pinch leafy herbs to stay productive
Pruning- Routine carePinch tips and flower buds weekly· every 1 wk · ~10 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Pinch the growing tips above a leaf pair and remove flower buds as they form. This keeps basil bushy and leafy instead of bolting to seed.
Trim and divide perennial herbs
Pruning- Routine careShear after growth flushes; divide every few yearsmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Shear perennial herbs like mint, oregano, thyme and sage after flushes of growth to keep them compact and productive, and divide crowded clumps in spring or fall to renew vigor and airflow. Go easy on fertilizer — lean conditions give stronger flavor.
Clean up debris and sanitize at season end
SanitationUnusual this time of year.
- Routine careRemove spent plants and fallen debrisstrong evidence — extension confidence
Pull and clear old plants, dropped fruit, and leaf litter at season end, since many pests and diseases overwinter in this debris; dispose of diseased material rather than composting it.
- Routine careClean tools, stakes, and cagesmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Wash and sanitize stakes, cages, and tools that touched diseased plants before storing or reusing them to avoid carrying pathogens into next season.
Harden off seedlings
ProtectionUnusual this time of year.
- Routine careGradually expose plants to the outdoors· every 1 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Starting about two weeks before transplanting, set seedlings outside in a sheltered, shady spot for a few hours and lengthen their time and sun exposure each day, avoiding windy days, to prevent transplant shock.
- Routine careEase back on water and transplant on a mild daystrong evidence — extension confidence
Water a little less during hardening (without letting plants wilt) to toughen growth, then transplant in late afternoon or on a cool, cloudy, calm day.
Something looks wrong?
Describe what you see on your basiland we'll rank the likely causes — most likely first, least-invasive fix first.
Basil fusarium wilt
Diseasesevere- CulturalRemove and discard infected plantsstrong evidence — extension confidence
There is no cure, so pull and bag affected plants to slow spread, and do not compost them. The soilborne fungus can persist for years, so avoid replanting basil in that spot (mint-family herbs can carry it without showing symptoms).
- CulturalPlant clean seed and resistant varietiesstrong evidence — extension confidence
Since the disease arrives mainly on contaminated seed, buy seed tested for Fusarium and grow resistant Genovese types such as Nufar, Aroma 2, or the Prospera line. Rotate planting sites between basil crops.
Basil downy mildew
Diseasemoderate- CulturalRemove affected plants and improve airflowstrong evidence — extension confidence
Pull and destroy plants showing the gray underside growth right away, space and prune for good air circulation, and water at the base to keep leaves dry.
- CulturalPlant resistant varietiesstrong evidence — extension confidence
For next plantings, choose downy-mildew-resistant basil varieties and start with clean seed, as this is the most dependable prevention.
Japanese beetles
Pestmoderate- CulturalHandpick into soapy water· every 1 days · ~4 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
In early morning when beetles are sluggish, knock them into a bucket of soapy water; daily removal also reduces the scent that draws in more beetles. Skip the lure traps, which tend to attract more beetles than they catch.
- CulturalCover plants past bloommoderate evidence — extension confidence
On crops that have finished flowering and set fruit, drape a row cover or netting to keep beetles off without blocking pollination during bloom.
Japanese beetles and chewing pests on basil
Pestmoderate- CulturalHand-pick beetles in the morning· every 1 days · ~4 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Knock beetles into a tub of soapy water in the cool morning when they are sluggish; daily picking through their roughly month-long flight keeps damage low. Skip pheromone traps, which draw in more beetles than they catch.
- OrganicSpray neem if pressure is heavy· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence
For aphids and soft-bodied pests, or to deter beetles, apply a labeled azadirachtin (neem) product or insecticidal soap per the label, spraying in the early evening to avoid leaf burn.
Powdery mildew
Diseasemoderate- CulturalImprove airflow + remove worst leavesstrong evidence — extension confidence
Cut out the most heavily coated leaves and thin for airflow; avoid wetting foliage late in the day.
- OrganicPotassium-bicarbonate or sulfur - label use only· every 1 wk · ~4 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Apply a labeled potassium-bicarbonate or sulfur fungicide weekly per the label. No sulfur within 2 weeks of oil or in high heat.
Root rot from overwatering / poor drainage
Diseasemoderate- CulturalLet soil drain and water lessstrong evidence — extension confidence
Water root rots like Pythium thrive in saturated soil, so cut back watering, let the surface dry between irrigations, and water at the base rather than keeping soil constantly wet.
- CulturalImprove drainage and aerationstrong evidence — extension confidence
Use raised beds, loosen compacted soil, and add organic matter to improve drainage; remove plants that are already rotted since affected roots won't recover.
Slugs & snails
Pestmoderate- CulturalTrap, hand-pick at night, reduce cover· every 2 days · ~3 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Pick at night with a flashlight, set shallow beer traps, water in the morning so soil dries by dusk, and clear damp hiding spots.
- OrganicIron-phosphate bait - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Scatter a labeled iron-phosphate slug bait sparingly per the label; it's pet- and wildlife-safer than metaldehyde.
Spider mites
Pestmoderate- CulturalHose down and raise humidity· every 3 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Mites thrive in hot, dry, dusty conditions. Spray foliage (especially undersides) with water to dislodge them and reduce dust.
- OrganicInsecticidal soap or horticultural oil - label use only· every 5 days · ~2 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Apply to undersides per label; mites resist many products, so soaps/oils are preferred. Not in extreme heat.
Whiteflies
Pestmoderate- CulturalRemove infested leaves and hose off· every 4 daysmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Pick off and discard heavily infested lower leaves and rinse colonies off undersides with a strong spray of water; yellow sticky cards help monitor numbers.
- OrganicApply a labeled soap or oil· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Apply a labeled insecticidal soap or neem oil per the label, covering leaf undersides; these reduce but won't eliminate whiteflies, so repeat as needed.
Cold and chill damage on basil
DisordermoderateUnusual this time of year.
- CulturalProtect from cold and plant warmstrong evidence — extension confidence
Basil is chilling-sensitive and can blacken below about 50F, so cover plants or bring containers in when nights turn cool, and wait to transplant until well after the last frost when nights stay warm. Damaged leaves will not recover, but the plant usually pushes new growth once warmth returns.
Aphids
Pestlow- CulturalBlast off with water· every 3 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Knock colonies off with a strong jet of water in the morning; repeat every few days. Light infestations rarely need more.
- OrganicInsecticidal soap - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
For persistent colonies apply insecticidal soap to undersides per label. Avoid open flowers.