There are so many exciting basil varieties available for you to grow. And they're all so unique and flavorful. I'm here to show you that it's easy to grow and enjoy any of these gorgeous worldwide basil varieties yourself. There's an incredible array of colors, scents, and flavors out there! All of the basil photos in this post are from my own garden. I hope you enjoy these 38 Types of Basil to Grow in Your Herb Garden, Part 1!
There are so many vibrantly varied basil types, from all over the world, each with its own distinctive scent, flavor, appearance, and growth behavior. They're all very special. In this post are the ones I've grown over the past 2 years, and you can experience them too. I hope you'll make some room in your garden for these gorgeous and beautifully-scented herbs. You'll be so glad you did!
I've had a total of 18 smell and taste-testers for these basil varieties, to give you a personal description of their unique attributes. Their scent and flavor notes are included in the descriptions below. Also, there are details about each variety, such as its origin and growth characteristics. I'm so happy to show you that there are so many variations out there to enjoy!
Jump to:
- 💕Why basil is special
- 🌿How to grow it
- 💡Important basil height tip
- 1. African blue basil
- 2. Ajaka basil
- 3. Akoko mesa basil
- 4. Anise basil
- 5. Aromatto basil
- 6. Besobela (Ethiopian sacred basil)
- 7. Blue spice basil
- 8. British basil
- 9. Cardinal basil
- 10. Chinese sweet basil
- 11. Cinnamon basil
- 12. Corsican basil
- 13. Dolly basil
- 14. Evivi ntor basil
- 15. Genovese basil
- 16. Kivumbasi lime basil
- 17. Kaprao/Krapao red basil (Thai holy basil)
- 18. Kaprao/Krapao white basil (Thai holy basil)
- 19. Lettuce Leaf basil
- 20. Lime basil
- 21. Mrihani basil
- 22. Mrs. Burns lemon basil
- 23. Osmin basil
- 24. Persian basil
- 25. Purple ruffles basil
- 26. Queenette Thai basil
- 27. Red crimson basil
- 28. Siam queen Thai basil
- 29. Spicy globe basil
- 30. Sweet Dani lemon basil
- 31. Thai basil
- 32. Thai lemon basil
- 33. Tulsi camphor kapoor (Indian holy basil)
- 34. Tulsi krishna (purple sacred Indian holy basil)
- 35. Tulsi rama (green sacred Indian holy basil)
- 36. Tulsi temperate (Indian holy basil)
- 37. Tulsi vana (Indian holy basil)
- 38. Zanzico basil
- ❓FAQ
- ✨More herbs and recipes you'll love
💕Why basil is special
Historical significance
Basil has been called the "king of herbs," originating from basileus, the Greek term for king. Scholars estimate that there may be up to 150 species of basil, a number which becomes much higher when we account for hybrid varieties.
Basil has been used for centuries all over the world for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. And the use of this herb for culinary traditions has spread to every continent, with the exception of Antarctica (where scientists grow it to experiment with farming in space).
A global treasure of unique varieties
If you're only familiar with the basil variety available at the grocery store, you're in for a thrilling array of types from around the world. From the sacred and ceremonial Indian tulsi basils to the anise-like aromas of Thai basil, a wide array of choices from Africa including the stunning frilled mrihani, to vibrant citrus and even spiced varieties such as cinnamon, it's so fulfilling to experience this world of flavors for yourself. If I can do it, you can do it!
A wide diversity in fragrance and taste
Basil is easy and reliable to grow from seed. There are many seed vendors available online for even the rarest cultivars. I find it thrilling to discover historically and culturally significant types online that are new to me, and that I can order to grow for myself. It's truly magical to be a part of a preserving and continuing the tradition of this seed heritage. And there's a captivating spectrum of scents and flavors to explore!
🌿How to grow it
Growing season
Most basil is a perennial only in very warm climates (generally in USDA hardiness zones 10 and above), and needs to be grown as an annual for the rest of us. It thrives when daytime temperatures are between 70-85°F (21-29°C). And when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), the plant begins to decline for the season. If you live in the US, you can check the growing climate and frost dates for your area with the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. For additional hardiness zone detail by state and for international zones, please consult Plantmaps.
Seeds vs plants
Most basil cultivars can be grown reliably from seed. There are two on this list, African blue and ajaka, which are sterile and cannot reproduce by seed. So in instances like these, you'll need to buy the plants. But this is a rare occurrence. And it's still worth it! I buy these sterile types in plug packs of smaller seedlings at a lower price. And when you order and start basil from seed, you have access to so many more rare and unique varieties than you can find in a store. I urge you to go for it!
Order and plant in advance
Plan to buy and have your seeds on hand to plant 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in your area. You can try starting them in seed-starting mix in a sunny window that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. But you'll have much better results and stronger, stockier seedlings if you start them under some grow lights. They don't need to be expensive professional ones. Even inexpensive fluorescent lights will work, and should be on for about 12-16 hours per day. The seeds will need to be kept at temperatures of 70-75°F (21-24°C) to have germination in 5-10 days.
Feeding your plants
Once your seedlings have two sets of true leaves, you can feed them an organic, plant-based fertilizer like Down to Earth Vegan Mix. This one has worked really well for me. And it also helps to add organic and plant-based compost to your soil before planting time.
Hardening off
When the danger of frost is past, and the nighttime temperatures are at least 50°F (10°C), you can harden off your seedlings. This will help them adjust to growing outdoors in the real sunlight. You can take them outside for progressively longer times over a 7-day period, from 1 hour on the first day in the shade to full sun by the 7th day. Or you can leave them out all day if you have 3 days in a row with full cloud cover.
Planting and spacing
Once the plants are accustomed to outdoor conditions and the temperatures are warm enough, you can plant them in an area that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. And if you have a higher-elevated spot in your garden bed, this is preferable for when the cooler nights arrive (and cold air settles in the lowest spots first) at the end of summer. The preferable plant spacing is at least 6 inches (15 cm), but I've always had success with plantings even as close as 3 inches (8 cm).
💡Important basil height tip
Basil plant heights are commonly listed as growing to 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm) or 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm) for the taller varieties. But in almost every instance of growing the varieties below, I've been easily able to surpass this. And you can too!(Keep in mind, the plants will grow taller if planted in the ground than in a pot. This is consistent with my own experience. The maximum plant heights from my garden that are listed below are generally only within the common range when I've planted them in a pot.)
The way you attain some impressive and lush plant sizes is by pruning off the flowers at least every week during the growing season. (I finally let them grow at the very end of the summer.) And the flowers that you've cut off are perfect for adding to iced tea!
If you regularly prune off the flowers up to the next pair of leaves, you'll divert the plant's energy to continuing vegetative, rather than reproductive growth. And this will help the plants grow large and healthy, without turning woody or losing flavor. This will really keep your plants vibrant, and it's well-worth the swearing and pain in the back that will arise if you have a lot of plants to prune!
For the varieties below, I'll list the maximum height my plants attained by the end of the growing season. I know with good care, you can easily reach these grand heights too!
Here are the 38 varieties I've grown this year. All of the photos in this post are of my own homegrown plants. I couldn't possibly choose favorites amongst them, so I've listed them here in alphabetical order. Enjoy!
1. African blue basil
Botanical name:
Ocimum basilicum 'African Blue'
Origin
Hybrid of dark opal basil and camphor basil; sterile, available only as seedlings
Description
Cold-resistant, gorgeous and tall variety with deep purple veining on the leaves and beautiful purple flowers; very attractive to bees for pollination
Height
General height range: 18-36 in / 45-90 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 42 in / 107 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Mild, spinach, perfume, soap, scotch, sweat, old wood cabinets, salty-sweet, cinnamon, lemon, clean
Seed source
2. Ajaka basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Ajaka'
Origin
Naturally-occurring open-pollinated variety discovered in Germany
Description
Sterile, only available as seedlings; columnar form; beautiful glossy leaves with few flaws; cold-resistant
Height
General height range: 12-24 in / 30-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 40 in / 102 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Woods, damp leaves, potpourri, classic, tangy, spicy and tart, clean linen, spring greens, moss, sweet grass, pepper
Seed source
3. Akoko mesa basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Akoko Mesa'
Origin
Ghana, West Africa; traditional culinary and medicinal use
Description
Vibrant green leaves and flowers; beautiful plant
Height
General height range: 12-25 in / 30-64 cm;
Maximum height in my garden: 33 in / 84 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Aged salt, fresh-cut grass, lime, lake water, blossoms
Seed source
4. Anise basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Anise'
Origin
Southeast Asia and Africa
Description
Satiny upright-pointing leaves with gorgeous violet stems and flower bracts
Height
General height range: 18-24 in / 46-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 28 in / 71 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Astringent, spicy, gingerbread cookies, greens, licorice, molasses, salty grass
Seed source
5. Aromatto basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Aromatto'
Origin
Africa, India, and South Asia
Description
Tall variety on strong stems with dark green purple-veined leaves and purple flowers
Height
General height range: 18-30 in / 46-76 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 43 in / 109 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Greens, flowers, tin, anise
Seed source
6. Besobela (Ethiopian sacred basil)
Botanical name
Ocimum spp.
Origin
Ethiopia
Description
Stunning with large satin leaves and distinctive variegated yellow to purple flowers
Height
General height range: 12-24 in / 30-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 34 in / 86 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Dried blossoms, spring rain, sweet, innocent, vibrant
Seed source
7. Blue spice basil
Botanical name
Ocimum americanum 'Blue Spice'
Origin
Possible cross of lemon and purple basil, from Africa and Asia
Description
Compact with bright green leaves, fuzzy stems, and pink flowers; very fragrant
Height
General height range: 12-24 in / 30-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 26 in / 66 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Smoked maple, sweet, wild, candy, spring rain, grapes, hot aluminum, twine, petrichor, forest fire, licorice, perfume, spicy, bouquet-worthy, anise, cloves, fresh, Christmas, loved this smell, amazing!
Seed source
8. British basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'British'
Origin
Cross between Thai and Genovese basils
Description
Cold-resistant; glossy, deep green leaves; light green flowers
Height
General height range: 24-36 in / 61-91 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 24 in / 61 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Grapes, old paper, mint gum, spring greens, mild, clean, sweet
Seed source
9. Cardinal basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Cardinal'
Origin
Created by breeders in Israel
Description
Cold-resistant; beautiful huge maroon flowers
Height
General height range: 24-30 in / 61-76 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 31 in / 79 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Eucalyptus, sweet spice, licorice, lavender soap, clean laundry, fresh breeze, greens, spicy oregano, anise, lighter, nose-opening, hot, sweet and delicious
Seed source
10. Chinese sweet basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Chinese Sweet'
Origin
Hunan region of China
Description
Delicate pointed leaves with fuzzy white flowers
Height
General height range: 18-24 in / 46-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 27 in / 69 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Lemony, lemon verbena, lemongrass, sweet liquor, lemon zest, lemon oil, citrus, clean
Seed source
11. Cinnamon basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon'
Origin
Mexico
Description
Purple stems, veining, and flowers on tall plants; very fragrant
Height
General height range: 18-36 in / 46-91 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 31 in / 79 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Cinnamon, cloves, citrus, cinnamon candy, sugary, cinnamon gum, sweet red hibiscus, dry, cinnamon pine cone, strong soap, fresh, strong, really good smell
Seed source
12. Corsican basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Corsican'
Origin
Corsica, France
Description
Deeply-lobed satiny leaves, tall purple flower bracts
Height
General height range: 12-24 in / 30-60 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 31 in / 79 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Clove, nutmeg, lemon, anise, spring greens, very sweet, like candy
Seed source
13. Dolly basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Dolly'
Origin
Northern Italy
Description
Glossy, larger leaves than British or Genovese; highly-productive, cold-tolerant
Height
General height range: 18-20 in / 46-51 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 28 in / 71 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Classic basil flavor, sweet lemon, light, fresh fall leaves, seedlings, deep tomato stem scent
Seed source
14. Evivi ntor basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Evivi Ntor'
Origin
Ewe people in Ghana
Description
Curled leaf edges, compact plant; deep red stems, green & light pink flower bracts
Height
General height range: 18 in / 46 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 27 in / 69 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Cinnamon, citrus, mint, soap, perfume, lemon shandy, pungent and perfumey, mint, soap, camphor, spring breeze, astringent, lemony, eucalyptus, perfume, citronelle
Seed source
15. Genovese basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese'
Origin
Genoa region of Italy
Description
Classic Italian sweet basil
Height
General height range: 18-30 in / 46-76 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 31 in / 79 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Classic basil flavor, camphor, grassy, hint of citrus, grocery store basil, very strong and peppery
Seed source
16. Kivumbasi lime basil
Botanical name
Ocimum africanum 'Kivumbasi Lime'
Origin
Zanzibar, Africa
Description
Tiny plant, matte pointy leaves curled lengthwise; green, yellow, & pink flowers
Height
General height range: 12-24 in / 30-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 27 in / 69 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Sweet mushrooms, green bell peppers, lime zest, savory sautéed greens, citrus, astringent
Seed source
17. Kaprao/Krapao red basil (Thai holy basil)
Botanical name
Ocimum tenuiflorum 'Kaprao/Krapao Red'
Origin
Thailand
Description
Small plant, delicate frilled leaves, tiny purple flowers
Height
General height range: 18-20 in / 46-51 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 24 in / 61 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Mild, clean, astringent, subtle
Seed source
18. Kaprao/Krapao white basil (Thai holy basil)
Botanical name
Ocimum tenuiflorum 'Kaprao/Krapao White'
Origin
India
Description
Unique wavy leaves, branched green and pink flower bracts
Height
General height range: 18-20 in / 46-51 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 21 in / 53 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Sweet, rubbing alcohol, green woods, mild, smooth, unique
Seed source
19. Lettuce Leaf basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Lettuce Leaf'
Origin
Japan
Description
Distinctive very large light green puckered and ruffled leaves
Height
General height range: 18-24 in / 46-61 cm
maximum height in my garden: 28 in / 71 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Salty anise, light, bitter, aftertaste kick, classic basil, anise, strong
Seed source
20. Lime basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Lime'
Origin
Africa, Asia, & India
Description
Light green leaves, mounding shrub shaped-plant
Height
General height range: 18-24 in / 46-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 32 in / 81 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Sweet lime, spicy, citrus, fall woods, deep, sweet, complex, clean
Seed source
21. Mrihani basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Mrihani'
Origin
Zanzibar, Africa
Description
Exceptionally special frilled leaves with small purple flowers and stems
Height
General height range: 18-24 in / 46-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 18-24 in / 46-61 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Sweet lemon zest, star anise, sweet licorice, anise hyssop, fresh wood smoke, deep, balanced, sweet, mild, clean laundry, fresh spring breeze, bitter, soap, lemony, peppery, earthy, strong, comforting
Seed source
22. Mrs. Burns lemon basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum var. citriodora
Origin
Developed by Janet Burns in New Mexico
Description
Very tall plant, deep green leaves with fuzzy green flowers, vibrantly-scented
Height
General height range: 18-36 in / 46-91 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 37 in / 94 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Lemon zest, spicy lemon, sweet citronella, lemon essential oil, lemon verbena, citrus, deep, strong lemon, spring breeze, sweet
Seed source
23. Osmin basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Osmin'
Origin
Switzerland
Description
Dark, glossy purple and bronze leaves; cute bright green off-types with purple spots
Height
General height range: 12-18 in / 30-46 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 30 in / 76 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Salty nutmeg, astringent, peppercorns, aged hay, traditional basil, moderate depth
Seed source
24. Persian basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Persian'
Origin
Southwest Asia
Description
Satiny, luminescent violet, forest green, & bronze leaves with purple veins
Height
General height range: 18-24 in / 46-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 46 in / 117 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Sweet cloves, licorice, lemon, fresh green grass, anise, mild, sweet, then spicy, delightful
Seed source
25. Purple ruffles basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Purple Ruffles'
Origin
Description
Deep, dark ruffled leaves with pink veins and satin finish
Height
General height range: 18-24 in / 46-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 26 in / 66 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Cloves, star anise, licorice, black licorice, sweet twine, woods, mulled wine, spicy, bitter, peppery, musky, perfect for salad
Seed source
26. Queenette Thai basil
Botanical name
Ocimum sp. 'Queenette Thai'
Origin
Thailand
Description
Short plant, striking large wide purple flowers; narrow, strongly-veined leaves
Height
General height range: 12-18 in / 30-46 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 23 in / 58 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Orange, cloves, licorice, salted licorice, sweet, floral smoke, green pea tendrils, licorice candy, red licorice, lovely, like anise, funky, very mild
Seed source
Richters Herbs, currently not available there
27. Red crimson basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Red Crimson'
Origin
United Kingdom
Description
High-gloss leaves, columnar stalks, dark violet upper leaves, lime green lower leaves
Height
General height range: 18 in / 46 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 30 in / 76 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Lemon sea breeze, classic basil, soap, tobacco, fall leaves, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, astringent, fresh soil, earthy pepper, nice in a salad
Seed source
Richters Herbs, currently not available there
28. Siam queen Thai basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Siam Queen'
Origin
Southeast Asia
Description
Tall plant with satiny leaves, gorgeous large deep-burgundy flowers, light green leaves
Height
General height range: 20-24 in / 51-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 30 in / 76 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Coriander, tobacco, carpet cleaner, sweet, licorice, stevia, thin air, lemon, cloves, anise, mild, musky
Seed source
29. Spicy globe basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Spicy Globe'
Origin
Greece
Description
Round, compact shrub, white flowers sprinkled on top, varying tiny leaf sizes
Height
General height range: 12-15 in / 30-38 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 15 in / 38 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Orange, cinnamon, classic, bitter thyme, spice, tobacco, spicy green peppers, bitter tea, sage, epazote, bright, minty, clean, peppery, fresh, wintergreen, sweet, hot taste, clean, traditional basil smell, global spice, oregano, smells great for pasta
Seed source
Richters Herbs, currently not available there
30. Sweet Dani lemon basil
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum 'Sweet Dani'
Origin
United States
Description
Very tall plant, bright green leaves with fuzzy white flowers; intensely fragrant
Height
General height range: 22-24 in / 56-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 43 in / 109 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Clean, light, true lemon zest, damp concrete, lemongrass, sugar, lemon oil, lemon, strong, nice scent, favorite, lovely, citrus, clean, fresh, with a hint of basil, lemon cocktail
Seed source
31. Thai basil
Botanical name
Ocimum sp. 'Thai'
Origin
Southeast Asia
Description
Short plant, violet, tall flower bracts with pink petals
Height
General height range: 12-24 in / 30-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 26 in / 66 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Smoky grass, asphalt, classic, weird, tobacco and pepper, salty, lemony licorice, grassy, citrus, mild
Seed source
32. Thai lemon basil
Botanical name
Ocimum citriodorum
Origin
Ancient Greece
Description
Shorter plant, with soft matte light green leaves and whitish flowers
Height
General height range: 18-24 in / 46-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 27 in / 69 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Lemon zest, camphor, spicy, sour, clean, potpourri, strong lemon, pine
Seed source
33. Tulsi camphor kapoor (Indian holy basil)
Botanical name
Ocimum kilimandscharicum 'Camphor Kapoor'
Origin
East Africa
Description
Soft, matte leaves on a graceful plant with pink and green flowers
Height
General height range: 12-24 in / 30-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 24 in / 61 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Moss, woods, eucalyptus, soap, strong, minty, very tart, greens, burst of spice, cigarettes and soapy weed, smoky incense, pine sap, spring rain, running stream, fresh linens, bitter, grassy, astringent, lemony, new hay, chai, earthy, menthol, medicinal, sinus-opening, incense, lip balm
Seed source
34. Tulsi krishna (purple sacred Indian holy basil)
Botanical name
Ocimum tenuiflorum 'Krishna'
Origin
India and Southeast Asia
Description
A small, delicate plant with gently folded, slightly ruffles leaves and soft pink flowers
Height
General height range: 12-24 in / 30-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 18 in / 46 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Oak, bland, dry, mild but tart, spicy aftertaste, purple sweet smoke, burning wood, freshly-baked bread, old rope, vintage books, smoky, earthy, resinous, damp earth, campfire
Seed source
35. Tulsi rama (green sacred Indian holy basil)
Botanical name
Ocimum tenuiflorum 'Rama'
Origin
India and Southeast Asia
Description
Deep green, ruffled and slightly folded leaves with branched deep pink flower bracts
Height
General height range: 24-48 in / 61-122 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 20 in / 51 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Nutmeg, classic basil, grass, dull, spring woods, cool rain, fading blooms, cardamom, eucalyptus, new paper, Szechuan peppercorns, spice, purple, sweet, marzipan with lemon, hazy, peppery, mmm good
Seed source
36. Tulsi temperate (Indian holy basil)
Botanical name
Ocimum sp. 'Temperate Tulsi'
Origin
East Africa
Description
Similar to blue spice basil; compact, with fuzzy stems and pink flowers; very fragrant
Height
General height range: 18-24 in / 46-61 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 17 in / 43 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Star anise, fennel, more kick, sweet, grassy spice, numbing, taste spreads fast, spicy, sweet grapes, lemons, overripe fruit, storm ozone, freshly-cut grass, spice bazaar, cloudy sky, spring grass, sweet maple syrup, rubber, funky, strong, minty, complex, smoky
Seed source
37. Tulsi vana (Indian holy basil)
Botanical name
Ocimum gratissimum 'Vana'
Origin
South Asia and Africa
Description
Very large plant with sizable soft and downy leaves, bent pink and green flower bracts
Height
General height range: 24-60 in / 61-152 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 28 in / 71 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Mild cinnamon, spicy finish, light, strong spicy kick, mild, thyme, cinnamon, spice, dryer sheet, new shoes, old wicker basket, bread dough, carrot, summer greens, spring breeze, old books, antique shop, old linens, sawmill, spicy, buttery, earthy, cooking spices, velvet to the touch, lemony, little spice, lemony pepper, love it
Seed source
38. Zanzico basil
Botanical name
Ocimum 'Zanzico'
Origin
Zanzibar, Africa
Description
Bright lime green satin, ruffle, & purple-blushed leaves, magenta flowers
Height
General height range: 12-24 in / 30-60 cm
Maximum height in my garden: 23 in / 58 cm
Our testers' scent & flavor notes
Purple smoke, light fresh greens, anise, smoky
Seed source
❓FAQ
There are so many ways you can use this delightfully-fragrant and deeply-flavored herb. You can of course use it in so many culinary ways, such as in pesto, curries, salads, infused cooking oil, as a topping for pizza, in herbal tea, cocktails and mocktails, and even desserts like ice cream! It's so much fun to experiment with the different varieties shown above, and their huge array of flavors and colors.
There are also many additional uses, such as in Ayurvedic medicinal preparations, as an insect repellent (camphor kapoor and African blue basils are reputed for this), as aromatherapy, hair and skin care, potpourri, as an addition to household cleaners, and even in floral arrangements. Basil is such a special and versatile herb, and is so worthwhile to have on hand right from your garden.
In India, tulsi basil is considered holy. This includes the following varieties listed above: kapoor, krishna, rama, temperate, and vana. They are all distinctive, and yet share sacred and ceremonial uses. Tulsi is regarded as the "queen of herbs," and is included in rituals and prayers. It is attributed to bringing prosperity, purifying the home, and deterring evil. Tulsi is also known for its medicinal applications, especially in Ayurvedic medicine.
In Thailand, krapao red and krapao white basil (also in the list above) are considered to be holy. They have both culinary and religious value there. They add a unique flavor to dishes such as pad kaprao, and are also thought to cleanse the spirit and bring about good energy.
Besobela basil, included above, is considered a blessing in Ethiopia. In addition to being traditionally used in dishes like like the spice blend berbere, it also has special meaning and is used in rituals and ceremonies.
Basil is known to have at least 150 distinctive varieties; many more when hybrids are taken into consideration. In the 38 types from this list, they span 4 basic areas: Africa, Asia, Europe (including the Mediterranean region), and the US (with its modern hybrid varieties).
This very special herb has been included in historical records from over 4,000 years ago. Some varieties are thought to be from India and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Others have roots in Africa. Basil was also used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, and distributed throughout Europe during the Middle ages.
Today basil continues to have culinary and cultural significance throughout the world. It's truly an exceptional herb with many fragrant and flavorful types to grow in our gardens and enjoy.
✨More herbs and recipes you'll love
Looking for other garden posts and recipes like this? Try these:
Please check out my above recipe for Vegan Tulsi Masala Chai Recipe with Garden Holy Basil Plants, which uses all 5 of the Indian tulsi holy basils on this page. I know you'll really enjoy this very special spiced tea blended with fresh tulsi from your garden.
✏️Have you grown and enjoyed any of these basil varieties?
I'd love to hear what you think! Please let me know in the reviews and comments below!
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