Sweet Basil Seeds

Ocimum basilicum Sweet Basil

Ocimum basilicum Sweet Basil is a classic, aromatic annual herb, valued for its lush, bright green foliage and balanced sweet-spicy flavor. Growing to about 18 to 24 inches tall with a spread of 12 to 24 inches, this variety is the cornerstone of any herb garden, perfect for raised beds, kitchen borders, and patio containers where fresh culinary access is key. Unlike spicy or camphor-heavy varieties, Sweet Basil offers a versatile, clove-anise profile that pairs effortlessly with summer vegetables, providing a continuous harvest of tender leaves throughout the warm season.

Culinary and Practical Uses

• The tender, fragrant leaves are the defining ingredient in authentic pesto, tomato sauces, and Caprese salads, adding a fresh, peppery sweetness that defines Italian cuisine.
• Both the flower buds and white blossoms are edible, offering a milder basil flavor and a delicate, decorative garnish for soups, pasta dishes, and cocktails.
• Traditionally used in herbal practices to settle the stomach, reduce inflammation, and as a calming aromatic herb to alleviate stress.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Smooth, oval-shaped, bright green leaves with a rich, sweet aroma; ideal for fresh eating, drying, or processing into sauces.
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy, and vigorous; branches freely when pinched, creating a dense canopy of harvestable greens.
• Flowers: Produces tall spikes of small white blossoms in mid-to-late summer, which are highly attractive to bees and beneficial insects and are also edible.
• Seeds: Harvested after flower spikes dry and turn brown to reveal tiny, black, tear-shaped seeds; easily saved for the next season's planting.

Growing Requirements

• Sun: Thrives in full sun; requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight to develop its signature essential oils and lush growth.
• Soil: Adapts to most soil types but prefers rich, fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
• Water: Requires consistent, moderate watering; keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent root stress and maintain leaf tenderness.
• Spacing: Plant seeds or transplants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and bushy lateral spread.
• Maintenance: Harvest leaves frequently and pinch off the growing tips weekly to encourage branching and prevent early flowering, which can make leaves bitter.

Shipping Info

Sweet Basil seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.