Basil typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.
basil
Ocimum citriodorum 'Pesto Perpetuo'
Basil (Ocimum citriodorum 'Pesto Perpetuo') is an easy-to-grow plant with green-tinted, red leaves. It has a strong, sweet smell and taste that is commonly used for pesto. Its uniform growth makes it very ornamental, and its contrasting vein pattern adds interest. It's also drought tolerant, once established. Basil can be harvested all summer long with a few cuttings each week to ensure continuous production. It's perfect for gardens, containers, and indoor plants. Be sure to keep it well-watered and in a sunny spot for the best results.
Cycle:
Annual
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation,Air Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
2 - 11
Flowers:
Flowers
Sun:
full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Indoors:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Basil (Ocimum citriodorum 'Pesto Perpetuo') should be watered moderately, about once a week or as needed. Water deeply, soaking the soil, allowing the top inch or 2 to dry out in between waterings. Make sure not to overwater, as too much water can lead to root rot and wilting. If temperatures are especially warm, water more frequently. Cold temperatures and rainy weather may require less frequent waterings.
sunlight
Basil (Ocimum citriodorum 'Pesto Perpetuo') grows best in full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Morning sun is ideal as it helps the plant dry off faster after overnight moisture, preventing fungal diseases. Ideally, the plant should have at least 8 hours of direct sunlight every day, but it can tolerate partial sun as well.
pruning
Basil should be pruned regularly, with pruning sessions occurring approximately every 3-4 weeks. While pruning basil, it is best to aim for removing the new growth at the tips of each branch. This will help to ensure that the plant stays bushy, rather than becoming tall and leggy. Before pruning, it can be helpful to examine the the entire plant so that you can get a sense of the overall size and shape of the plant, and decide if and how much pruning should be done. Once the tips of each branch have been removed, it may be helpful to also prune off any branches or stems that are dead, as well as any that are misshapen or crossing over each other in an unnatural way.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Basil typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.
Hardiness Map
FAQ
Is basil an herb?
Yes, basil is an herb. It is an aromatic, culinary herb from the mint family. Basil is commonly used to add flavor and fragrance to dishes. It is commonly found in Italian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines, and can be used in both cooked and raw dishes. Its flavor is usually described as sweet and peppery. Its leaves can be torn and added to a dish, or it can be blended into a pesto. Basil also has some medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine.
Can basil be used in cooking?
Yes, basil can be used in cooking. It is very popular in Italian dishes such as pesto or pasta sauces. It is also used in salads and dressings, as well as marinades for meats and as a garnish for soups, stews and sauces. Basil has a mildly sweet flavor that pairs well with many dishes and can also be enjoyed raw.
Could basil be grown indoors?
Yes, basil can be grown indoors. With the right amount of light and water, basil can thrive indoors. It's best to place basil near a sunny window or in an area with bright, indirect light for several hours each day. Also make sure to water regularly and keep the soil slightly moist. It does well in pots with good drainage, soil with ample nutrients and temperatures between 70-85 degrees F. With the proper soil and watering, indoor basil can become a great addition to your garden.
Should basil be pruned regularly?
Yes, basil should be pruned regularly to help promote healthy growth and prolong its season. Pruning basil encourages new growth and can help to keep the plant from getting too woody and going to seed prematurely. When pruning basil, it's important to remove the stems down to their first set of leaves, ensuring that you don't remove any healthy green foliage. Pruning regularly will help your basil to produce the most fragrant leaves.
