Basil
Ocimum basilicum · Basils · Mint family
Also known as: Sweet Basil · Genovese Basil
Medium20–50cmPet-friendlyEdible
Basil care at a glance
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) needs a moderate amount of water and prefers to grow in full sun.
- Water need
- Medium
- Light
- Full sun
- Soil moisture
- Evenly moist
- Nutrients
- Medium
- Life cycle
- Annual
Pests, Diseases & Weather on Basil
Possible pests on Basil include Slugs and snails, Aphids and Japanese beetles. Common diseases include Basil downy mildew and Fusarium wilt. Also possible: Damping off and Grey mould. Basil is considered pet-friendly.
Pest
- Aphids Low
- Japanese beetles Low
- Slugs and snails Medium
Disease
- Basil downy mildew High
- Fusarium wilt High
- Damping off Medium
- Grey mould Medium
Weather
- Frost damage High
A baseline from curated sources, not a command. You decide in the end.
Frequently asked questions about Basil
- Which pests affect Basil?
- Possible pests on Basil include Slugs and snails, Aphids and Japanese beetles.
- Which diseases affect Basil?
- Common diseases include Basil downy mildew and Fusarium wilt. Also possible: Damping off and Grey mould.
- Is Basil toxic to cats and dogs?
- Basil is considered pet-friendly and safe for cats and dogs.
- How much water does Basil need?
- Basil has a moderate water requirement.
- What light does Basil need?
- Basil prefers to grow in full sun. Around 6 hours of light per day is ideal.
- Is Basil frost-hardy?
- Basil is not frost-hardy. Its lower limit is around 10 °C.
- Can you eat Basil?
- Yes, the edible parts are mainly: leaves and flowers.