Contents
Description
Ocimum Basilicum Aroma 2, commonly known as fragrant basil, is a popular herb that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is widely cultivated across the world and is known for its distinctive aroma and flavor. This basil variety is an annual plant that grows up to 60 cm tall and has a bushy appearance. It produces small, white or pinkish flowers in summer that attract bees and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Ocimum |
Appearance
The fragrant basil plant has soft, green leaves that are ovate, slightly serrated, and grow up to 6 cm long. The leaves are highly fragrant and release a sweet, spicy aroma when crushed. The plant has a bushy appearance and can grow up to 60 cm tall. It produces small, white or pinkish flowers in summer that grow in clusters on spikes.
Care Guide
Fragrant basil is relatively easy to care for and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Here are some tips for taking care of your fragrant basil plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH level of 6.0-7.5 is ideal.- Sunlight: Fragrant basil requires full sun to grow well. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.- Hardiness Zones: Fragrant basil is an annual plant that can be grown in all USDA hardiness zones.
Common Pests & Diseases
Fragrant basil is prone to several pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to wilt and turn yellow.- Whiteflies: These tiny insects feed on the underside of leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off.- Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease causes the leaves to turn yellow and wilt. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the disease from spreading.- Downy mildew: This fungal disease causes yellow spots on the leaves and a fuzzy growth on the undersides.
Habitat
Fragrant basil is native to tropical regions of Central Africa and Southeast Asia. It is now widely cultivated across the world and can be found in gardens, farms, and greenhouses. It prefers warm, humid conditions and requires full sun to grow well.
Question and Answer
Q: Can fragrant basil be grown indoors?
A: Yes, fragrant basil can be grown indoors as long as it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.Q: How often should I fertilize my fragrant basil plant?
A: Fertilize your fragrant basil plant every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.Q: What is the ideal pH level for soil to grow fragrant basil?
A: The ideal pH level for soil to grow fragrant basil is 6.0-7.5.Q: What is the best time of day to water my fragrant basil plant?
A: Water your fragrant basil plant in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Related Plants
– Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’- Ocimum basilicum ‘Thai’- Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil)- Mentha spicata (Spearmint)- Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
References
– “Ocimum basilicum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c532.- “Growing Basil, Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Basil Plants.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac, www.almanac.com/plant/basil.
