Plant Details

Ocimum basilicum - L.

Sweet Basil, Common Basil, Thai Basil, Tropical Basil

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Ocimum basilicum - L..

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General Information

Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum - L.
Also known as: Sweet Basil, Common Basil, Thai Basil, Tropical Basil

Plant Properties

Layer: Herbaceous
Size: Small
Height: 0.50 m
Width: 0.30 m
Growth Rate: Fast
Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 9-11
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Seed
Edibility:
(4)
Medicinal:
(4)
Features:
Repellent, Essential oil

Description

Leaves and flowers - raw or cooked. They are used as a seasoning or as spinach, especially in tomato dishes, pasta sauces, beans, bell peppers, and eggplants. The leaves are usually used fresh but can also be dried for use in winter. They are a very fine addition to salads due to their delightful clove aroma. Use the leaves sparingly in the kitchen, as heat concentrates the flavor. A refreshing tea can be made from the leaves. The seeds can be eaten on their own or added to bread dough as a seasoning. When soaked in water, they become slimy and can be turned into a refreshing drink called 'sherbet tokhum' in the Mediterranean region. An essential oil obtained from the plant is used as a flavoring in mustard, sauces, vinegars, etc.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 15/06
End of Harvest: 30/09