Basil Ocimum basilicum
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an annual herb in the Lamiaceae family. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 25–40 cm (10–16 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Basil at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 25–40 cm (10–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 33 °C (91 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–11 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 60 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, flowers |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇮🇷 Iran |
Is Basil toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Basil is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Basil
Good neighbours
- good With Tomato: Basil is said to improve tomato flavour and repel pests; Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
Questions about Basil
- How far apart should I plant Basil?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–40 cm (10–16 in).
- Does Basil need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Basil need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Basil?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Basil flower?
- About 9–11 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Basil poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Basil is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Basil?
- Basil is said to improve tomato flavour and repel pests; Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Frost-tender.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare
- Thai basil Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora