Basil is perhaps one of the most recognized herbs as it has such a wide fan base. Spring and summer are a good time to start your basil which fits into many places within your landscape. Basil is another edible ornamental that looks good in the vegetable garden, flower bed or tucked into a landscape nook. A garden just has to have some herbs, and basil is a good gateway into that horticultural hobby.
Basil is often the first herb that people think of when they want to grow their own. Originally from India, Africa, and Southeast Asia, the colorful leaves, varied scents, and vigorous growth of this herb are outstanding and have added interest to dishes around the world. As a group, basil has many varieties to pick from. Select large-leaved types known as sweet basil which include ‘Lettuce Leaf’ or ‘Genovese’ for a more traditional Italian basil taste. Variety is a must with basil, and purple-leaved types are available and contrast beautifully – ‘Purple Ruffles’ is a good cultivar. There are also dwarf mound-shaped varieties such as ‘Spicy Globe’ and ‘Dwarf Greek’ which are perfect for growing in containers. ‘Marseillaise Dwarf’ is a French basil known for its compact, foot tall profile and outstanding flavor. Specialty scented varieties that taste like lemon are often used with fish, while lime basil can be used in sauces and deserts. The cultivar ‘Mexican Spice’ provides the taste of cinnamon offering a nice addition for winter squash or sweet potato dishes. Another basil is Thai which brings a unique taste of licorice-like flavor. There are other scented basil including chocolate, camphor, and anise-scented varieties.
Most basil types are annuals with a few perennials thrown in as well. Basil is very versatile and can be grown in containers, raised beds or among other plants. Garden centers often have ready-to-plant basil seedlings for easy installation. Seeds are also readily available and are easy to start. For direct seeding in the garden, prepare a planting bed in a full sun site with some afternoon shade. Broadcast the seeds over the planting area and gently rake them in so that they are lightly covered with a quarter inch of soil. Once germinated and growing, make sure to thin the seedlings to at least ten inches apart for best development. You will get plenty of basil from multiple cuttings before it is exhausted. Keep cutting basil back to prevent flower production which will make annual basil go to seed. Harvest the newest leaves for the best flavor. This pinching over time will help the plant develop a bushier shape and force new shoots and future harvests. Basil’s attractive flowers are also used in cooking, so do not neglect the white, pink, or purple blooms in addition to leaves.
The worst pest problem with basil is a fungus known as downy mildew. This disease causes the leaves to develop pale yellowish patches between leaf veins. Gray spores may also be found under the leaves. Good full sunlight, distance between plants to encourage air circulation and keeping the foliage dry can help prevent this problem, but it is no guarantee. Sweet basil varieties develop this fungal disease more commonly than the purple types, Thai, lemon, lime, and other spicy basils. There are resistant varieties of basil that will help you manage this issue and can be worth the investment.
Basil is really the king/queen of herbs that can be as ornamental as it is edible. Size, shape, and color all combine to help basil fit somewhere in your landscape – plant some today! For more information on all types of herbs suited for our area, or to ask a question, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions (2024) Basil. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Zhang, S., Patel, J. S., Mersha, Z.. Roberts, P. D & Raid, R. (2019) Downy Mildew of Basil in South Florida. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Zhang, S., Meru, G. & Roberts, P. D. (2021) Florida Plant Disease Management Guide: Sweet Basil. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
UF Researchers Work to Save Pesto! (2025) Blog. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Sirchia, J. (2025) Spice Up Your Life: A Beginners Guide to Growing Basil. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS – Paco County.
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