Discover 11 types of basil you can grow in your garden and containers for their appearance, aroma, and culinary and medicinal uses!
If you’re a basil lover, you’ll love growing these basil varieties. They are all edible and perfect for growing in containers.
- Sweet Basil
It is one of the most popular varieties of basil and is widely used for cooking its tender, aromatic foliage. Green to purple in color, the herb can grow 12 to 18 inches tall.
Growing tips:
Use fertile soil rich in organic matter. Grow it in a sunny location and keep it well watered. It does not tolerate intense cold.
- Genoa Basil
Genoa basil is characterized by flatter, sharper leaves. In addition, its more aromatic and spicy flavor makes it an excellent ingredient in many Italian dishes and pesto recipes.
Growing Tips:
This variety is somewhat cold tolerant and prefers 6-8 hours of direct sun. A well-drained soil with a neutral pH is best for it.
- Thai Basil
Popular in Southeast Asian cuisines, Thai basil has a licorice-like touch with a strong flavor. The purplish stems and purple-veined leaves make it a showy plant. Over time, it loses its aroma, so use it fresh.
Growing Tips:
This plant is very susceptible to frost damage, so move it indoors at the first sign of frost. It is also a sun-loving plant that requires moderate watering.
- Basil Napoletano
Native to the regions of Naples (Itay), its extraordinarily large leaves are used to wrap poultry, fish or cheese. It is added to soups, sauces, fish and meat dishes because it is a bit spicier than some other varieties of sweet basil. It can grow up to two feet tall.
Growing tips:
Needs full sun to thrive. During the growing season, apply a balanced fertilizer once a month. A light growing medium is suitable for planting.
- Dark opal basil
Tired of the similar presentation of green foliage herbs? This basil with exotic dark purple foliage can enhance the beauty of your landscape. Aside from the usual culinary uses, you can infuse it in vinegar or oil to add color and aroma to dishes.
Growing Tips:
Place the pot near a sunny windowsill so it can take advantage of direct sunlight. Keep the soil evenly moist in the initial stage, when the plant is getting established.
- Christmas Basil
It is a blend of Thai and Genovese basil. The aromatic, fruity flavor of this basil is a bit like wine with a hint of pine. Use it in pesto, sauces, salads, herbal dishes, and in drinks and teas.
Growing Tips:
Ample watering with mulch around the base is what it needs. 65 to 85 degrees F is the optimal growing temperature. Japanese beetles can skeletonize the entire plant, so be on the lookout.
- Lemon Basil
The foliage is soft light green and the plant reaches a height of 20 to 24 inches. It is not as ornamental as other varieties of basil but forms beautiful white spikes that are tall and attractive. Add lemon basil to iced tea to give it a warm lemon flavor and make an invigorating drink.
Growing tips:
Add a phosphorus-rich fertilizer within the first week of planting. Water daily but not too much so that the soil becomes soggy. Prune occasionally to improve air circulation.
- Lettuce leaf Basil
he large wrinkled leaves of this basil resemble lettuce and are widely used in salads and fresh dishes because of their mild, less aromatic flavor. It is ideal for wrapping lettuce because the leaves are large, about 5 to 6 cm.
Growing tips:
Beware of frost if you plant this basil outdoors. Sow seeds 0.25 inches deep and space them 10 inches apart. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizer.
- Basil with lime
Like lemon basil, it is also one of the types of basil that is flavored with citrus. Although it is not as common as lemon basil. You can grow a combination of lemon basil and lemon basil as they make a great pair. It is a tasty herb for cooking and you can find many uses for lemon basil on the web.
Growing tips:
Choose a location that receives about six of direct sunlight. Do not overwater the plant. Install a support such as a stake if the plant becomes too heavy.
- Cinnamon Basil
Mexican spicy basil is another name for this basil. Growing to about 25 inches tall, its bright leaves and small pink-lavender and purple flowers make it an excellent choice for floral arrangements. Because of its spicy flavor and fragrant aroma, it pairs well with fruit salads and garnishes.
Growing tips:
Rich, moist, slightly acidic soil is optimal for planting. Space plants 6 to 12 inches apart. Water regularly and prevent the soil from drying out completely.
