Basil and late summer gardening is a combination that springs to my mind because that’s when so many tomato plants seem to put on a last fruiting spurt. I don’t know about you, but I often feel overwhelmed by the quantity of cherry tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, heritage varieties. Why did I grow so many? Even with encouraging growth in some and retarding it in others there still seems to be that late August / early September glut!
There is more to basil than the ‘living herb’ pot you can buy at the supermarket. You might be surprised at how many varieties and types of types of basil there are, many of which are easy to grow yourself.
The types of basil that are used in Mediterranean cooking may be the ones with which we’re most familiar. But even then, there’s a wide selection to choose from. You could say there’s more to Pesto than a Sweet Genovese Basil, and you’d be correct.
So what is basil the herb? How many types of basil are there? And how easy are they to grow?
What is Basil?
Basil is a member of the Lamiaceae (Labiatae) family of plants. this also includes nettles and mint. Ocimum is the botanical Latin name, covering all the 35 plus species and varieties.
Common names for basil include Saint Joseph’s Wort, King of herbs, Royal herb. These latter two are generally held to be from the Greek name “Basilikon phuton”. Another theory is that the name is an abbreviation of Basilisk, a mythical serpent like creature whose breath was fatal. Giving Which gives basil links with both holy temples and with evil – take your pick!
Native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia, basil may be found as an annual, perennial or small evergreen shrub. All have aromatic foliage.
Basil Varieties
Not all of the commercially available basil varieties have names that are recognised botanically. And I’m not going to attempt to list all of those that are. Instead, I want to give you a flavour of the wide range of basil available for you to grow.
Ocimum basilicum
Probably the plant you’d most easily recognise as the herb. It has the greatest assortment of leaf shape, colour and aroma. I’ll be detailing some of these in the section below.
Ocimum tenuiflorum
Also known as Ocimum tenuiflorum sanctum, Tulsi, Purple Tulsi, Thai Holy basil. Should not be confused with Thai basil (different plants, check out the Botanical Latin!) It is a perennial and has small serrated edge, olive-purple leaves and purple stems and flowers. Popular in Thai cooking due to its spicy, pungent aroma. The second most sacred plant in India after the Lotus, it is grown around temples and homes to give protection from evil spirits.
Ocimum americanum
Also known as Ocimum canum, Ocimum Meng Luk, hairy basil, American basil, this is not a native American plant! An annual with hairy leaves and pale lilac flowers. Usually with a predominantly camphor like scent, Ocimum americanum may also smell slightly lemony.
Ocimum x citriodorum
Lemon basil, kemangi, a naturally occurring cross between Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum americanum, sometimes referred to as Ocimum basilicum x citriodorum. Slim bright yellow–green leaves that have a strong citrus-basil flavour and scent that I find quite delicious! The small white flowers produce seeds that also have a lemon scent.
Ocimum x citriodorum pesto perpetuo
Aka pesto basil. Some dispute as to the parentage of this basil plant but that doesn’t prevent it from being of benefit in the herb garden and decorative everywhere. A non-flowering form, with green leaves edged white.
Ocimum gratissimum –
Also known as Ocimum suave, Ocimum viride, Clove Basil, Tree Basil, Fever Plant. Toothed, downy leaves with a good clove smell. Unless its one of the variants with a lemon or thyme aroma, of course! A shrubby perennial.
Ocimum kilimandscharicum
Bit of a mouthful to say and not a mouthful I personally enjoy the taste of. Ocimum kilimandscharicum is also known as Camphor basil and fever plant. A perennial basil and an interesting variety to grow.
Ocimum minimum
Also known as Greek Basil, Bush basil. A compact bush, excellent for container growing. It has a good basil flavour and can often be kept overwinter in a frost free greenhouse or conservatory. It has small white flowers, as most of the basil varieties do. Personally, I’m very fond of Greek basil and have been successful in keeping it going overwinter.
Mediterranean Types of Basil
The Mediterranean types of basil are generally Ocimum basilicum varieties.
Genovese Basil
Ocimum basilicum Genovese, also known as sweet basil. Probably the basil plant you’re most likely to find in the supermarket, but don’t let that stop you from growing it yourself. If you’re anything like my family, you’ll need at least 6 plants to keep up with the amount used! Legend has it that maidens would place a pot of sweet basil outside their door to show they were ready to be courted.
Napolitano Basil
Ocimum basilicum Napolitano, aka Lettuce leaf basil, Large leaf basil. Crinkled green leaves, still a basil flavour, but slightly spicier than sweet basil. Slower to bolt though, which is useful if you’re growing quantities of basil on an allotment when you might only get down every couple of days.
Cinnamon Basil
Ocimum basilicum cinnamon has Olive-brown leaves with a purple tinge and purple flowers. Very cinnamon scented as it contains cinnamate (as found in cinnamon) which makes it particularly good in drinks and with fruit.
Lime Basil
Ocimum basilicum lime has small bright green leaves and white flowers. The zesty flavour from the combination of lime and basil scents is particularly good with fish and chicken.
Purple Basil
Ocimum basilicum purpurescens, aka Red Rubin, Dark Opal basil. As you’d expect, purple leaves, red-purple stems and purple flowers! This makes it a very attractive border plant and one to add to the summer bedding list too. Personally I’m not as keen on it as a culinary herb – and that’s fine. Part of the reason for my writing this blog is to help you find the types of basil plant that suit you and your needs!
African Blue Basil
Ocimum basilicum African blue. One of the taller types of basil it has large, coarse dark green-purple leaves with a camphor-like smell. Edible pink flowers (no camphor taste, I hasten to add!) are good for summer drinks and salads.
Curly Basil
Two to choose from – Ocimum basilicum purple ruffles with pink flowers and Ocimum basilicum green ruffles. The curly leaves seem to make them less prone to wilting.
Which Types of Basil would suit You?
Well, this is the “How long is a piece of string? “ question, methinks! All the Basil plants are tender, so you may feel it’s easier to treat even the perennials as annuals. Growing from seed is an economical method. If you’re short on space for growing this way, why not share a packet of seeds with friends? Even the perennials should give you a crop in the first year.
Some of the more unusual basil varieties can be found in specialist herb nurseries both in person and online. Often smaller general nurseries and garden centres will have a wider selection of plants than larger ones (weird but true). But you may not see many before the beginning of May as basil is frost tender.
As for which ones … well, what do you want to use your basil plant for? Pesto? Or purely ornamental?
Whichever types of basil you decide to grow, enjoy your garden and if Plews can help you with growing basil, Herb Garden Designs, Kitchen Gardens and Gardening Courses on Growing your Own Herbs, Fruit and Vegetables, do please get in touch
Are you looking for a practical and unusual a birthday present? Plews bespoke Gardening Lessons, where your classroom is actually your own garden make a wonderful gift.
For further gardening advice and inspiration, check out Plews Potting Shed blogs, including the selection below.
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