Sweet Basil Plant - USDA Organic - Ocimum basilicum

Sweet Basil Plant (Ocimum basilicum)

Bring restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with this Certified Organic sweet basil, a culinary staple that transforms everyday dishes into something special. Its fragrant leaves deliver that distinctive peppery-anise taste home cooks crave, whether you're crafting homemade pesto, garnishing Caprese salads, or adding freshness to pasta. When you buy sweet basil online from Florida Plant Nursery, you're investing in a reliable herb that produces abundantly throughout the growing season.

Landscaping Uses

This versatile herb thrives in sunny patios in decorative containers, raised garden beds, or traditional in-ground gardens. Position it where it receives maximum sunlight for the strongest flavor development. Sweet basil also makes an excellent companion to tomatoes and peppers, both in the garden and on the dinner plate. The plant's delicate flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding movement and life to your outdoor space while supporting your local ecosystem.

Specifications

Height: 12–24 inches
Width: 12–18 inches
Growth Rate: Fast
Sun: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
Water: Consistently moist, not waterlogged
Soil: Well-draining, fertile
USDA Zones: 10–11 (annual in cooler zones)

Why Homeowners Love It

• Produces tender, flavorful leaves continuously when harvested regularly
• Grows quickly and adapts well to containers or garden beds
• Certified Organic—perfect for pesticide-free cooking
• Simple to maintain, making it ideal for beginning and experienced gardeners alike

Planting & Care

Select a warm, sunny location with soil that drains well and space plants about 12 inches apart. Wait until after your last frost date to plant outdoors. Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, especially during hot spells—check the top inch of soil and water when it feels dry. Pinch back the growing tips frequently to encourage a bushier plant and maximize leaf production. Remove flowering stems as they appear to direct the plant's energy into producing more flavorful leaves, and apply a balanced organic fertilizer every four to six weeks during the active growing season.