Types of Basils

Types of Basils Basil, one of the most popular culinary herbs, is widely used in many types of cuisine. It is most famous as the main ingredient in pesto. Basil is most often grown annually, preferring warmer summer temperatures, with a good yield at 70 degrees or higher. It is quite tender and will wither quickly at the first sign of freezing temperatures. If you grow only one herb in your garden, basil is a good option. While sweet and Genoese are probably the most common varieties of basil, there are many other beautiful variations to choose from. With sizes ranging from 8 inches to 4 feet tall, there are many options for growing basil in the garden. Check out the list of types of basil and select a new one to try in your garden this year. Sweet basil Sweet basil is probably the most common variety of basil, popular in pestos, salads, and marinades. When you find basil at the grocery store, it will often be the sweet basil variety. Sweet basil is medium green in color with a rounded, cup-shaped leaf. Sweet basil is known to repel mosquitoes. Genovese basil Genovese is the classic Italian basil with extra-large dark green leaves. This is another excellent basil to use in pestos and Italian dishes. Genovese leaves are flatter than sweet basil with a more pointed shape. Some cultivars use sweet and Genoese basil, labeling the plant sweet Genoese basil interchangeably. True Genovese has a stronger and more aromatic flavor. Thai sweet basil Thai basil has smaller, pointed leaves and has a spicy licorice flavor. Asian dishes often include Thai basil, such as spicy sesame noodles or Thai basil chicken. Thai basil maintains its flavor at higher cooking temperatures compared to other types of basil. Thai sweet basil, shown right, is pretty in the garden with its deep purple flowers that bloom late in the season. It is quite spectacular when grown in large groups. Thai sweet basil grows 2 feet tall and can be harvested starting at 60 days. Purple basil Purple basil has a striking dark burgundy color that provides an excellent contrast in the herb garden. The taste is not as sweet as some varieties of basil with a stronger clove flavor. Highly aromatic holy basil can be soaked in vinegar or oil to add beautiful color to your dishes. Dark Purple Opal basil grows 18 inches tall. Some plants (about 20%) will be variegated or green plants to create an excellent color combination. It has large leaves that average 1 to 1 2/3 inches when fully developed. Dark opal basil reaches maturity at 80 days. Lemon basil Lemon basil is becoming a widespread variety of basil and is increasingly being found in local nurseries and garden centers. Lemon basil grows 12 to 18 inches tall with light green leaves. Smash a leaf between your fingertips and inhale the wonderful lemon scent of this strain. There is nothing like fresh lemon basil. Use lemon basil in fish or chicken marinades, grilled vegetables, desserts, and teas. Lime basil Lime basil has a sweet, smooth but bright citrus flavor. The leaves are bright green with a narrow shape. Lime basil grows between 16 and 24 inches tall. While not as popular as lemon basil, some gardeners grow together in the herb garden. The two make an excellent pair when cooking, bringing out the flavors of lemon and lime for a compelling combination. Use it in sauces, desserts, and teas. Basil lettuce Basil lettuce has a distinctive appearance with large, wrinkled leaves. As the name implies, it works well in salads and fresh dishes. Basil lettuce leaves are four inches wide and six to ten inches long. This makes it ideal for use in lettuce wraps where most other basils would be too small. Lettuce leaf basil is an Italian basil with a mild flavor. Although the leaves are large, the plant itself is quite compact. It is one of the shortest basils that grow to almost a foot in height. It is also slow to flower, so it lasts a bit longer in the heat of summer before sowing. Green flyers Green Ruffled Basil has curly leaves, making it lovely basil to grow in the garden. The flavor is smooth and delicate and is especially good in pasta dishes. The curly leaves also make this a great basil to use in salads. Green ruffled basil grows 20 to 24 inches tall. It can be harvested as early as 70 days. Holy basil Holy basil is highly fragrant with a spicy, sweet, and musky aroma. The taste is better when cooked, as if eaten raw, it can be slightly bitter. Holy basil is used in Indian cuisine, especially in curried meat. Holy basil is also known as tulsi, which means the incomparable in South Asia. It is a sacred plant in Hinduism. There are many medicinal and religious uses for holy basil. Holy basil is used to treat stomach and kidney diseases and promote blood circulation. Cinnamon basil Cinnamon basil is a spicy and fragrant variety of basil. The cinnamon basil plant is pretty in the herb garden. The stems are reddish-purple with pinkish flowers at maturity. Basil cinnamon has a milder basil flavor and pairs well with fruit, adding a slight hint of cinnamon flavor. It is also a favorite herb in Asian cuisine. Use in Asian marinades, fried rice, noodle salads, or mixed with grilled vegetables. African blue basil African blue basil is a tall variety that grows up to four feet tall. This basil is impressive in flower arrangements. African blue basil has a strong aroma of bell peppers, cloves, mint, and camphor. Culinary uses include vegetables, rice, and meat dishes. Unlike most varieties of basil, African blue is perennial as long as it is not frozen. While seeds are not generally available, the plants can be purchased as seedlings or by mail order. Cardinal basil An ornamental garden beauty, cardinal basil may be the most striking of the basil varieties. It is easily identified by its mass of tightly grouped cardinal red flowers. Growing two and a half feet tall on sturdy stems, they are a good choice for the back of the herb garden. Cardinal Basil has a strong spicy aroma that makes it a good choice for flavoring vinegar and oils. To create a massive planting, start with a seed packet in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Down to the ground slightly in the spring to break up any large clumps. Sprinkle seeds in the garden about six inches apart, then cover with 1/4 inch of soil. Pack the soil lightly and keep it moist until the seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days. Greek basil Greek basil is one of the most minor varieties that grow to only 8 inches tall. It has a compact shape with small pointed leaves. Greek basil is often used to flavor salads or soups, or meat dishes. A sprig of Greek basil can also make a great garnish. Greek basil is easy to grow in a pot. It can be enjoyed for its culinary uses or in combination with ornamental plants in the flower garden. It can be lovely when in front of the border with other low-growing plants, such as pansies or violas. Spicy basil The basil spicy is another variety of dwarf basil. True to its name, it has a tangy, tangy flavor with smaller leaves served whole in soup and pasta salads. It is also called Spicy Basil and forms a tight group when it grows. The shape is similar to a dwarf boxwood with a rounded top. This type of basil is an excellent choice for growing in containers. Summer basil It grows in tight, compact bushes, making it ideal basil for the containerized herb garden. It is a dwarf variety, it matures earlier than most basils in just 30-60 days. Summer basil is slow lag, which means it will last longer in the summer garden before sowing. This is good basil, a great option when you want a smaller variety to grow in your garden. Similar in flavor to sweet basil, summer basil can be used in pestos, sauces, and marinades.   Bottom line: basil varieties There are so many types of basil; It is challenging to choose just one. Basil is one of the most beloved culinary herbs for its easy-to-grow nature and variety in the kitchen. Pick one or two of your favorite types so you can experiment with different tastes and textures.