Ocimum Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 23rd Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Ocimum plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Ocimum, commonly known as basil, boasts aromatic leaves that are have both culinary and ornamental use. Their delightful aroma and distinct taste makes them a must-have in every kitchen garden.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Basil thrives in full sun and requires a well-draining soil. Consistent moisture and warmth are key for optimum growth.
- General Care: Water regularly, but avoid letting roots sit in water. Pinching off flower buds will help prolong the harvesting period and to maintain leaf production.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Ocimum is easy for beginners and germinates quickly from seeds. For a bountiful harvest, ensure adequate spacing and harvest regularly to promote bushier growth.
Basil, Sweet Basil, Holy Basil, & Tulsi: Cultivation & Garden Use
The Ocimum species Basil is one of the most used and best loved of all culinary herbs. It enlightens many an Italian dish, going a treat with tomatoes.
The plants are ideal for use in a herb garden and typically grow to a height of about 40 to 60 cm. Members of Ocimum have green, purple, or bluish green leaves and flower in the summer.
In addition to Basil Common names for Ocimum used in herb gardening include Golden Basil, sweet basil, and Thai Basil.
If growing Basil for culinary use then the leaves should be removed before flowering has occurred for the best taste. Basil is best used fresh, but can also be frozen or dried.
To dry Basil, first remove the leaves and dry them in a dark place.
By frequently removing leaves and tips you can prolong the herbal life span of the Ocimum plant. It can even be took inside in the winter, and as long as it receives five hours of sunlight and is given an occasional feed fresh basil can be harvested throughout the winter.
How to Grow Basil (Ocimum Plants)
It is probably best to start growing Basil and other Ocimum plants off indoors. Do this about five weeks before mid spring.
Seeds of Basil plants should be sown on the surface in the light, and at a temperature of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (about 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit).
It should take anything from one to seven weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Once ready, transplant the basil into your herb garden in the spring at about 25 cm (10 inches) apart.
ideally Basil, should be grown in sunny areas that have a rich soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5).
Ocimum basilicum by Blumenbiene.
Caring for Ocimum plants such as Basil in your Garden
It is easy to care for Basil and other Ocimum. When the plants reach about 12 cm (5 inches) pinch back the growing tips of the Basil plant to encourage bushy growth.
They should be watered frequently to keep the soil moist. Cut back by about a third to a half in the summer before flowering can occur.
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Ocimum Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Basil, Sweet Basil, Holy Basil, Tulsi, Thai Basil.Life Cycle: Half hardy annual, hardy annual.
Height: 12 to 50 inches (30 to 125 cm).
Native: Europe, Asia.
Growing Region: Zones 4 to 10.
Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: White, purple, lavender. Small. Terminal spike. Racemes
Foliage: Blueish-green, purple, reddish, green. Ovate. Fragrant.
Sow Outside: Surface. First sowing: start of spring. Second sowing: Summer. Spacing 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm).
Sow Inside: Use peat pot. Germination time: one to six weeks. Temperature 65°F (18°C). Five or six weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors about a month after the last frost; temperature should not drop below 65°F (18°C).
Requirements: Full sunlight. Good drainage. Soil pH 5.5 to 6.5. Rich soil. Summer feed. Regular watering. Pinch tips when plants reach 6 inches (15cm). Harvest leaves before flowering occurs.
Family: Lamiaceae.
Miscellaneous: Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) is named Tulsi in Hindu, this translates to “the incomparable one”. The plant is worshiped and is considered to be Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and companion of Krishna.
Common Questions
How many members does the Ocimum genus contain?
The Ocimum genus contains about 150 species. It's best known for the herb Basil, a beloved herb used extensively in cooking.
Do Ocimum members make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes! Ocimum, especially basil, is a favorite in kitchen gardens. Their aromatic leaves and flowers can also add a delightful fragrance to landscapes.
Which Ocimum species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Ocimum basilicum (Sweet Basil) is the most widely grown species. Its fragrant, flavorful leaves are a staple in many cuisines around the world.
Are Ocimum plants fragrant?
Yes, Ocimum plants are notably fragrant. The scent of basil leaves is well-loved and used in many culinary dishes.
What is the perfect location to grow Ocimum?
Ocimum plants, such as basil, prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil. They are heat-tolerant and thrive in warm climates.
Is Ocimum invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Ocimum is not considered invasive in the USA. Basil is an annual herb that usually does not spread beyond where it's planted.
How do I remove Ocimum plants from my garden?
Being annuals, Ocimum plants will die back after their growing season. Any unwanted plants can be easily pulled up.
Summary
The Ocimum genus belongs to the Lamiaceae family and includes a variety of aromatic annual and perennial herbs, commonly known as basil. Their appealing aroma, edible leaves, and pretty flowers make them a favorite in many gardens and kitchens.
Ocimum plants flourish in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They are usually grown from seed in spring or summer. Whether it's in a vegetable patch, flower border, container, or windowsill pot, basil plants add a delightful flavor and fragrance wherever they grow.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Ocimum plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Physotegia, Aloe vera plant, and Perilla plants.
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