🌿 Basil

Ocimum basilicum

herbs Annual herb Lamiaceae

☀️ Sun

Full sun; 6-8 hours daily. Tolerates partial shade in hot climates.

💧 Water

Consistent moisture; water deeply 1-2 times per week. Mulch to retain moisture. Avoid wetting leaves.

🗺️ Zones

USDA zones 4-10 as annual; perennial only in zones 10-11

🧪 Soil pH

6.0-7.0 (prefers warm, well-drained, fertile soil)

🪴 Soil Type

Rich, well-draining, moist soil with pH 6.0-7.0. Add compost before planting.

📏 Spacing

12-18 inches apart

📐 Height

12-24 inches

⏱️ Maturity

60-90 days from seed

🍴 Edible Parts

🍽️ Leaves 🍽️ Flowers 🍽️ Seeds (edible when soaked)

Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone

🤝 Companions (14)

🤝 Asparagus

Basil repels asparagus beetles.

🤝 Bell Pepper

Basil repels aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies that attack peppers; enhances pepper flavor.

🤝 Borage

Borage attracts pollinators that benefit basil; said to improve growth.

🤝 Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has long been used as a companion plant in traditional European horticulture. It attracts beneficial insects including hoverflies and parasitic wasps that prey on aphids. Its feathery foliage and open flowers provide early-season pollen and nectar for beneficial insects. Note: the common claim that chamomile improves the flavor of nearby plants is rooted in Biodynamic farming tradition (Rudolf Steiner) and is not supported by controlled scientific studies.

🤝 Eggplant

Basil repels flea beetles and spider mites from eggplants; aromatic oils deter pests.

🤝 Jalapeño Pepper

Basil deters thrips, aphids, and spider mites from peppers; improves pepper health.

🤝 Lettuce

Basil provides light shade and repels pests from lettuce.

🤝 Marigolds

Marigolds repel nematodes and many insect pests; basil benefits from this protection.

🤝 Okra

Basil repels flea beetles and aphids from okra; aromatic foliage masks okra from pests.

🤝 Oregano

Both are aromatic pest deterrents; oregano repels pests that target basil.

🤝 Tomato

Basil repels tomato hornworms, whiteflies, and mosquitoes; many gardeners report improved tomato flavor.

⚠️ Keep Apart (5)

⚠️ Common Rue

Strongly antagonistic; rue's root exudates inhibit basil germination and growth.

⚠️ Rosemary

Rosemary and basil have different watering needs. Rosemary prefers dry conditions while basil needs consistent moisture. Not a biological enemy but challenging to grow in the same bed. Can coexist in large gardens with separate watering zones. Many Mediterranean herb gardens grow both successfully with proper spacing.

⚠️ Rue

Rue inhibits basil growth and can cause basil to become stunted; allelopathic effects.

⚠️ Sage

Sage and basil can stunt each other's growth; they compete for similar nutrients and may inhibit each other.

⚠️ Thyme

Thyme and basil have different water requirements. Thyme thrives in dry conditions while basil needs consistent moisture. Not a biological enemy but difficult to irrigate together. Can coexist with separate watering zones and adequate spacing.

💊 Medicinal Uses

Conditions Treated

💊 Digestive issues (bloating, gas, indigestion, stomach cramps) 💊 Anxiety and stress (mild nervine, adaptogenic properties) 💊 Headaches and migraines 💊 Common cold and respiratory infections 💊 Inflammation (anti-inflammatory) 💊 Minor cuts and wounds (antibacterial) 💊 Insect bites and stings

Preparation Methods

Fresh leaf tea: Steep 1-2 tsp fresh leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes for digestive relief
Essential oil: Steam distilled; used in aromatherapy for mental clarity and stress
Poultice: Crushed fresh leaves applied to insect bites and minor wounds
Tincture: 1:5 ratio in 40% alcohol; 2-4ml up to 3x daily for digestive issues
Culinary use: Regular dietary inclusion for general health maintenance
Infused oil: Leaves steeped in carrier oil for massage (anti-inflammatory)

Active Compounds

⚗️ Eugenol ⚗️ Linalool ⚗️ Estragole ⚗️ Rosmarinic acid ⚗️ β-caryophyllene

⚠️ Safety

Generally safe in culinary amounts. Estragole in some varieties (especially holy basil) may have carcinogenic potential in extremely high isolated doses , not a concern in normal use. Essential oil should be diluted. Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy.

📜 History & Folklore

🏛️ Ancient

Sacred to Vishnu and Krishna in Hindu tradition (Tulsi/Holy Basil). Ancient Greeks called it 'basilikon' (royal). Used in Egyptian embalming.

🏰 Medieval

Used in medieval monastery gardens as a 'strewing herb' to freshen air. Considered a sacred herb in both European and Indian traditions. Used to treat melancholy and 'comfort the brain.'

🌿 Folk Medicine

European folk medicine used basil tea for 'nervous headaches,' digestive sluggishness, and to increase breast milk production. In Ayurveda, Tulsi is considered a rasayana (rejuvenative) and adaptogen.

🛒 Buy Seeds & Plants

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Johnny's Selected Seeds Botanical Interests True Leaf Market Burpee Territorial Seed Company

Plot Buddies is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. This does not affect our plant recommendations. We only link to retailers we trust.