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Common
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
L.
OSS-ah-mum
bass-ILL-ah-cum
Lamiaceae
Explanation
of name:
Generic name an old Greek name used by Theophrastus. Basilicum is also an
old Greek name, meaning kingly due to healing properties.
Natural
range:
Tropical Old World
Recognition:
Fragrant herb, usually glabrous or nearly so
Note:
There are numerous, varied cultivars, including ‘Spicy Globe’, ‘Citriodorum’
(lemon scented), and ‘Crispum’ (curled leaves).
Ocimum campechianum Mill., Wild Sweet Basil
is native (WU3).
Landscape uses:
Herb. Can be grown year-round in Florida, though personal experience has shown
the heat of summer to be harsh.
Internet source:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/FCS/FlaFoodFare/Basil.pdf
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Botanical |
English |
FL native |
Growth form
|
Flowering season
|
Typical dimensions |
Suggested spacing |
Cultural conditions
|
Problems |
|
Ocimum basilicum |
Common Basil, Sweet Basil |
Exotic |
Herb
(May be grown as annual) |
|
To 2’ |
|
SU-
WD
ME
(see discussion) |
Mildew
Aphids
Summer heat |
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