My Favourite Basil Varieties

Much like chili peppers, basil is not a plant but an obsession - nearly a religion. And like chili peppers there are more varieties than chocolates in a candy shop to choose from.

I've tried and tested every variety I could get my hands on, and there's only a handful I'll recommend. Here they are in order of importance.

Sweet Basil - Ocimum basilicum - the most widely grown and sold type of basil. Hands down the best flavour. It truly is the king of the basils. If you grow nothing else, grow this.

Genovese Basil - Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese' - a close second. This Italian strain is widely regarded as the best for pesto and garlic-flavoured dishes. It has a slightly more uniform growth habit than Sweet Basil and it is slower to bolt. Which makes it a better choice for the latter part of the growing season. If you are seriously into Italian (or Mediterranean) cooking this will probably be your first choice.

Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum - also called holy basil or sacred basil. It has a spicy, pungent aroma and is not really suitable to cooking. But it is an outstanding medicinal herb. Easy to grow and very rewarding. If you are more a medicinal herb enthusiast this will be a good first choice.

Bush Basil - Ocimum basilicum var minimum - this dwarf variety has very small (in comparison with the previous) leaves with a slightly more pungent taste. We like its compact habit which makes it ideal for pot culture. A good first choice if you have limited space.

Dark Opal Basil - Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal' - an attractive highly aromatic cultivar with purple black leaves. Apart from its obvious ornamental value it is a useful garnish for summer salads and savoury dishes. It's a must have if you make herb vinegars. Slightly slower growing than any of the above it is a worthy addition to your herb garden.

Perennial basil -  Ocimum kilimandscharicum or Ocimum canum - these wonderful types from Africa and Asia are true perennials which make them a nice addition to any herb garden. We are not particularly fond of using them in cooking as they are way too pungent for our taste. But they have great ornamental value and flower early in spring, attracting bees and other nectar feeders to our garden. See the photo which was taken this afternoon.

There you have it. A handful of basils you can't go wrong with. But wait, there's more. In my next post we'll have a look at the novelty types like Thai Basil, Lemon Basil and Cinnamon Basil.

Comments

[Lilo]

I did grow sweet basil already on my balkony and ate the flowers off the bush. I have a problem with growing herbs on my balkony as it is facing west and the sun is shinin on it all afternoon. I am unable to grow parcely in sommer, it dies, but in winter its okay and grows well. Can you tell me what I can grow in pots in this hot verandah? I am dtaying in a flat so I cannot change to another situation. I have some Rosemary, Fewerfew and Campho, they all grow, but need lots of attention.
Thanks for your info.
Regards,
Lilo

[Debbie Clark]

Have what i was told is a Camphor Basil- it grows very quickly, is hardy and if left alone turns into a huge bush. Very effective in keeping flies at bay, what is the correct name. Oh the flowers are quite nice on a Pitza or in a dish.

[martin Smyth]

I'd like some advise on how to cultivate a healthy Thai Basil. Most of the web sites suggest to pinch back the flowers but with Thai Basil I thought that might retard the plants growth. Assuming it's the seeds that give it it's distinct aroma and flavour. Any advise to offer

[Di-Di Hoffman]

It is perfectly fine to pinch out the growing tips as it is not the seed that gives the Thai basil its aroma.

[Nancy Auen]

I bought what is called "very sweet basil" at the local spring show this year and it unfortunately got hit with an unexpected frost. I was wondering what variety it might be since it does taste sweeter than the common sweet basil sold at the local Home Depot or Lowes.