Lamiaceae

Ocimum basilicum

Sweet Basil

Herb, Tuber, Succulent

Common species

Size

Quantity

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About

This aromatic herb typically grows as an annual, though it can be a short-lived perennial in warm climates, reaching up to 80 cm tall. It features glossy, ovate, fragrant leaves arranged oppositely on square stems. Small white to purple flowers emerge in terminal spikes during the summer, attracting pollinators. Sweet Basil is prized globally for its culinary uses and traditional medicinal properties, particularly for aiding digestion.

Where it works in Kilifi

Ideal for sunny locations in a Kilifi-coast garden, it thrives in rich, well-drained loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Plant as a culinary herb in beds or containers, ensuring ample airflow for healthy growth. It works well in kitchen gardens or as an ornamental accent.

Growing notes

Sweet Basil has a fast growth rate and requires consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged. It is frost tender but performs well year-round in Kenya's warm tropical climate. Pinch out growing tips and flower buds to encourage a bushier habit and extend leaf production.

Sources

Researched with web grounding from: pfaf.org, missouribotanicalgarden.org, ncsu.edu, theferns.info, webmd.com, wikipedia.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.