Basil - Perennial Ocimum basilicum

Common Name:
Basil

Description:
Basil is a highly aromatic and versatile culinary herb prized for its lush green foliage and distinctive, sweet fragrance. This fast-growing plant produces an abundance of tender leaves that are ideal for fresh use in a wide range of dishes, from salads and sauces to garnishes. In Melbourne conditions, basil thrives during the warmer months, preferring a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. While commonly grown as an annual, some perennial varieties or protected specimens can persist longer, especially when shielded from cold. Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth and prolongs productivity. During summer, basil may produce small flower spikes which can be pinched off to maintain leaf quality. It is well suited to pots, garden beds, and kitchen gardens, making it a staple herb for home growers.

Form:
*Shrub - Small
*Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
Height: 30–60 cm
Width: 30–50 cm

Aspect:
*Full Sun
*Part Shade

Flowering:
*Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:
White
Pale pink

Key Attributes:
Bee Attracting
Edible Leaves
Herbaceous
Perennial
Suitable for Pots

Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and pets.

Companion Plants:
Tomato
Capsicum
Chilli
Parsley
Oregano