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Sweet Basil
Plant of the day

Ocimum basilicum

Sweet BasilPlant

Basil, also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known as Genovese basil or sweet basil. Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia. In temperate climates basil is treated as an annual plant, but it can be grown as a short-lived perennial or biennial in warmer horticultural zones with tropical or Mediterranean climates.

FamilyLamiaceae
GenusOcimum
Native
LifespanAnnual; persists as short-lived perennial in frost-free tropical climates

About Ocimum basilicum

Basil, also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known as Genovese basil or sweet basil. Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia. In temperate climates basil is treated as an annual plant, but it can be grown as a short-lived perennial or biennial in warmer horticultural zones with tropical or Mediterranean climates.

Common Names

EnglishSweet Basil
मराठीतुळस
தமிழ்திருநீற்றுப்பச்சை
বাংলাসাদা তুলসী
ಕನ್ನಡತುಳಸಿ

Native Range

Native range is being verified from source data.

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Key Features

  • Large, showy flowers in a variety of colors
  • Blooms almost year-round in warm climates
  • Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
  • Easy to grow and maintain
  • Used in traditional medicine and herbal remedies

Benefits

Did You Know?

Basil, also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known as Genovese basil or sweet basil. Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia. In temperate climates basil is treated as an annual plant, but it can be grown as a short-lived perennial or biennial in warmer horticultural zones with tropical or Mediterranean climates.

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