Basil Sweet Basil, Tulsi, Albahaca, Basilicone, Basilic Grand, Greek Columnar Basil

Ocimum basilicum

To produce high quality basil, grow it in full sun in warm, well-drained soil.
Pinch or cut the leaves off as required, but always from the top. When the plants begin to produce flowers, pinch those out as soon as possible to encourage more leafy growth. Thin to strongest plants.
If growing Basil in containers or indoor pots then add a small amount of fertiliser every month or so.
Water every week (more often if growing in outdoor containers or indoors).
When watering your Basil make sure to water at the base of the plant avoiding showering the leaves and stems.

Cover with finely sieved compost. Can be planted indoors.

All basils are tender annuals which are easy to grow, but are very susceptible to cold weather. They should be planted in late spring after all danger of frost is past.

These plants will grow well with Basil:

chamomile, anise

These plants will not grow well with Basil so avoid planting these within close proximity:

common rue, sage

These pests are known to attack Basil plants:

These problems and diseases are known to effect Basil plants:

The word basil means “king” in Greek – it is believed to have grown above the spot where St. Constantine and Helen discovered the Holy Cross.

Jewish folklore says that basil adds strength while fasting.
The Oxford English Dictionary quotes speculations that basil may have been used in “some royal unguent, bath, or medicine”.