Greek basil, that is grown in Greece, extensively, has the same aromatic leaves as the Large leaf basil and is used in many culinary dishes. Like all basils, it is very tender and enjoys our summer months outside. Its botanical name is Ocimum basilicum. This is a great window sill plant and one that is very bushy; it also helps deter flies in the kitchen. It was introduced from the East in the 16th century. It has a sweet but pungent flavor and has been popular ever since as a culinary herb and needs to be used as “fresh,” as the dried herb is not comparable in flavor. There are many different varieties of basil and this lovely, small leafed bushy type makes an excellent pot herb.
Holy basil is more commonly known as “Tulsi,” and the century old Ayurvedic herb is revered for its diverse healing properties (please research this on your own in the interest of this article’s “word count” confines…) and important for oils used in the biblical times. The botanical name for this is Ocimum sanctum. This herb is strongly warming and aromatic with many medicinal uses, one of which is added longevity. This herb also came from the East (native to India) in the 16th century. Again, these herbs are always way better used “fresh,” so as not to compromise the efficacy or flavor. It has quite a different aroma from the other basils. It grows anywhere from 30-60 cm, is considered a tender plant that loves sun, and requires a soul type criteria that leans towards alkalinity, with the flowering period of July thru October showcasing a white flower, as with most basils.
Purple basil is a basil with a deeply purple and aromatic leaf. This herb is used extensively in culinary endeavors and is especially attractive in fresh leafed salads. Like all basils, it is very tender and only enjoys growing outside during the sunny summer months. The botanical name is Ocimum basilicum. It, too, boasts many culinary uses; has beautiful purple leaves and also is a fly deterrent. It does well on the window sill. Use it fresh, and it loves growing in pots, too. Will grow 30-60 cm, loves sun and alkaline soils, sports that white flower again and the blooming months are July thru October.
Sweet basil has very aromatic leaves and used extensively in many culinary dishes. This is a tender herb and grows great on window sills also. The botanical name is the same as most other basils—Ocimum basilicum—and this one is a fly deterrent, too. This herb will do great growing inside the house. It needs to be used fresh, too. This plant grows anywhere from 30-60 cm. and loves sun with a need for alkaline soil, and flowers from July to October with the same little white flower as most other basils.
Thai basil is a tender annual with narrow, pointy, spicy “anise” tasting leaves and makes a perfect “companion” to food from all over Asia. Botanical name is Ocimum basilicum horaapha. It was introduced from the East in the 16th century. The sweet, pungent flavor of basil has been popular ever since as a culinary herb and needs to be used “fresh.” This particular version craves the hottest, driest weather possible. The specs here are the same as the others: 30-60 cm in height, tender, loves sun, alkaline soil preferred, flowers “white” from July to October.
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