Did you know that there are many types of basil you can grow in your garden? From classic sweet basil to aromatic lemon basil and exotic Thai basil, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing basil is a rewarding and flavorful experience. In this article, we will explore the various types of basil and share tips on how to grow them in your garden or containers.
Why Try Different Types of Basil?
The world of basil is diverse, with each variety offering unique flavors and fragrances. Sweet basil is a staple in many dishes, including pesto, thanks to its spicy clove flavor. Thai basil adds a burst of licorice or anise to curries and stir-fries, while lemon or lime basil provides a fresh citrus fragrance and mild lemony flavor perfect for tea, marinades, and salad dressings. By trying different types of basil, you can elevate your culinary creations and explore the rich flavors of cuisines from around the world.
Not only do basil varieties differ in taste, but they also vary in form and foliage colors. Greek basil, with its tight one-foot tall balls of flavorful leaves, makes a great specimen plant or edging for beds. Pesto Perpetuo, a variegated columnar basil, adds a formal touch to gardens and containers with its three-foot tall growth. Thai basil, with its deep green leaves, purple stems, and beloved flowers, is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a favorite of bees and beneficial insects.
Growing Basil: Tips and Tricks
While basil is a popular herb, it can be a bit tricky to grow. It thrives in plenty of sun, well-drained soil, and heat. So, make sure to wait until the spring weather has warmed before planting. If you have raised beds, they provide an ideal environment for basil. Alternatively, you can use elevated planters or pots with excellent drainage. Remember to use a high-quality potting mix and compost if growing basil in containers. For more detailed instructions, check out this post and short video on growing great basil.
Types of Basil to Grow in Gardens and Containers
Here are some of the most popular types of basil you can grow in your garden or containers:
Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Sweet basil is the most widely grown type of basil. It has rounded, cup-shaped leaves with a classic spicy clove flavor that is essential for pesto and many other dishes. Common and Genovese basils fall into this category. If you want plenty of leaves for pesto, try ‘Everleaf,’ a recent introduction that is slow to bolt, compact, and highly productive. Alternatively, you can explore lettuce leaf basil varieties like Napoletano, which have large ruffled leaves perfect for salads or tomato sauces.
Lemon Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. citriodorum)
Lemon basil, as well as lime basil, provides an intense citrus aroma and flavor. ‘Mrs. Burns’ Lemon’ is a standard variety with large leaves that can reach up to 18 inches in height. Use lemon or lime basil to jazz up drinks, sprinkle in salads, or add flavor to chicken and fish dishes. You can also dry the foliage for fragrant DIY sachets and winter teas.
Greek Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. minimum)
Greek basil, also known as little leaf or fine leaf basil, is both ornamental and culinary. It features small varieties with compact, rounded growth habits. Grow Greek basil in a terra cotta pot just outside your kitchen door for a non-stop supply. The tiny leaves have a strong basil flavor and fragrance and can be used in the same way as sweet or Genovese basil. ‘Spicy Globe Basil,’ ‘Aristotle,’ ‘Pluto,’ and ‘Fino Verde’ are some popular Greek basil varieties to try.
Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens)
Purple basil varieties, such as ‘Purple Ruffles Basil’ and ‘Dark Opal Basil,’ add a touch of drama to your garden with their deep purple leaves and flower spikes. While they may be less vigorous than green basil, the key to their success lies in planting them after the last spring frost and providing them with rich, well-draining soil. Mix and match purple-leafed basil with other ornamental plants or tuck them alongside sweet basil for an eye-catching combination.
Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon’)
Cinnamon basil, also known as Mexican basil, produces strong cinnamon-scented foliage. Its smaller leaves and bright purple stems and flowers make it stand out in the garden or bouquets. Add a few leaves to tea, stir-fries, and salads for a hint of cinnamon flavor.
Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora)
Thai basil is an essential ingredient in Vietnamese pho, and it also enhances the flavors of salads, curries, noodle dishes, and stir-fries. With its deep green leaves, reddish-purple stems, and flowers, Thai basil is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Consider growing ‘Siam Queen,’ an All-America Selections Winner known for its compact growth, slow flowering, and excellent flavor.
A Word on Basil and Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is a destructive basil disease that has been spreading across North America. To combat this issue, breeders have developed downy mildew-resistant basil varieties, such as Amazel, Prospera, Eleonora, and Everleaf. These resistant varieties can help protect your plants from this devastating disease. Check seed catalogs for disease-resistant options and stay updated on new resistant varieties hitting the market.
Conclusion
Growing basil in your garden or containers opens up a world of flavors and fragrances. From classic sweet basil to exotic Thai basil and everything in between, there is a basil variety to suit every palate. Experiment with different types of basil, and don’t be afraid to mix and match them in your culinary creations. Happy gardening and happy cooking!
What are your favorite types of basil to grow? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
