Basil, also known as Sweet Basil, is the common name for Ocimum basilicum, a popular, sweet herb of the Mint Family, grown for its flavorful foliage. Basil is originally native to India and other tropical regions of Asia, where is grown as a perennial. In cold area is grown as an half-hardy annual because it is a tender herb, very sensitive to cold, with best growth in hot, dry conditions and should not be planted outdoors until the weather is warm.

Basil is a low-growing herb that grows to between 30-60 cm tall, with opposite, light green, silky leaves 3-5 cm long and 1-3 cm broad. The foliage releases its wonderfully spicy fragrance just brushing against it. The flowers are insignificant, but very popular with bees and butterflies, edible, white in color and arranged in a terminal spike. If the plant is allowed to flower, it will produce seedpods containing small black seeds, which you can save and sow in the following spring.

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