Ocimum tenuiflorum
holy basil
A small, upright, bushy variety with highly aromatic, purple-green, serrated leaves that are used in culinary dishes, as well as medicinally. Attractive spikes of pink flowers appear in summer.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Green Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Pink | Green Purple | |
| Autumn | Purple | Green Purple | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Ocimum can be aromatic annuals, evergreen perennials or shrubs with opposite, linear to broadly-ovate leaves and small tubular white or pinkish flowers in whorls forming a spike
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow as an annual, indoors, in moist but well drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Can move outdoors in summer. Best grown in a container. See basil cultivation for more information
Propagation
Propagate by seed in gentle heat in spring under glass or indoors
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pinch out flower heads as they appear to encourage continued leaf growth. If left to flower, cut back after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and leafhoopers
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.