A popular bushy green leaved herb. It has a sweet spicy flavour and is used in cooking especially common in Mediterranean dishes. It pairs well with tomato, garlic and can be used fresh or cooked. Basil is native to Southeast Asia, and tropical regions across to Africa including India

There are many different cultivars, each with their own taste and appearance. Most of them are cultivates of Sweet Basil. Some of the cultivars and hybrids include;
Anise basil, dark opal bails, purple basil, Thai basil , lemon basil, holy basil also known as Tulsi though it should be noted this is a different species. Ocimum tenuiflorum

Where to Grow
Well-drained soil, sheltered sunny position. It doesn’t like the cold.

Propogation
Grown from seed - usually in spring but in certain zones it can be planted throughout summer and into early autumn

Planting Time
Plant spring - harvest leaves over summer

Special Tips
Pick your basil regularly, pinch out the tips as this will stop the basil going to flower.