Basil: The Essential Summer Herb
Ocimum basilicum
Fresh basil turns tomatoes into caprese and every summer dinner into something better. Pinch often to keep plants bushy. Genovese for Italian cooking, Thai basil for Asian dishes, lemon basil for fish — grow several varieties.
Specifications
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Hardiness zones
- Annual
- Height
- 1–2 ft
- Bloom time
- Summer (pinch off)
Care & growing tips
Plant after last frost in rich, well-drained soil. Pinch tops when 6 inches tall to force branching. Remove flower buds immediately — flowering ends leaf production. Harvest from the top down. Water consistently — wilting leaves stress fast.
Companion plants
03Place basil in your real yard
Upload a photo and Arden visualizes full garden designs featuring basil alongside companion plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
01 Why does my basil keep flowering?
Heat, drought, and age all trigger bolting. Pinch flower buds off immediately, keep soil consistently moist, and succession-sow every 3–4 weeks for a steady supply of young plants.
02 Can I grow basil indoors year-round?
Yes, with a sunny south-facing window or grow light. Basil needs 6+ hours of bright light daily. Indoor plants are shorter-lived than outdoor ones — plan to restart from seed every 3–4 months. Keep soil consistently moist and pinch often.
03 Why are my basil leaves turning black?
Cold damage — basil is extremely sensitive to temperatures below 50°F. Black spots appear overnight after a cold snap. There's no recovery; pick off affected leaves and bring plants indoors before the next cold night. Basil tolerates heat far better than cold.