# What Are the Common Varieties of the Garden Basil Herb?

- Link: https://lifeandwork.blog/what-are-the-common-varieties-of-the-garden-basil-herb/
- Published: 2026-10-24T02:32:53-05:00
- Author: Bert Swope

If you want to grow the most delicious and aromatic basil in the garden, it will
help to know what varieties are available. This article will provide you with information
about Genovese basil, Lemon basil, Cinnamon basil, and Thai sweet basil. If you 
would like to grow this herb in your garden, make sure to plant it where it gets
lots of sun. Besides being useful in cooking, basil can also be used in a variety
of herbal products.

## Genovese basil

A good growing medium for Genovese basil is a three-gallon pot with a drainage hole.
Plant plants five inches apart. Container growing involves the same care as soil
growing, but requires more water and less fertilizer. You can transplant the basil
to a different location if the original plant dies off. This variety needs more 
water than garden basil, so it is best to use a saucer to keep it moist.

Basil is widely available in the market, and Genovese and Sweet Basil are both popular
types. These two types of basil have similar flavors, but the Genovese basil is 
slightly more fragrant and has a more intense aroma. Sweet basil has a sweet, clove-
like flavor and Genovese basil has spicier leaves. Basil plants of Genovese and 
Sweet basil grow up to six feet tall and six feet wide.

You can grow Genovese basil from seed. It grows to about 12-18 inches tall and features
large leaves. These plants will not only produce pesto, but will also look stunning
in your herb garden. Basil Genovese originated in Italy and is used primarily in
Italian cooking. Siam Queen basil is a common variety that’s grown for culinary 
use. It is an attractive and flavorful herb, and makes a great pesto.

When to plant Genovese basil in your garden, be sure to start the seeds a few weeks
before the spring. Growing basil in the soil in USDA zones 10 and higher is possible.
You need to make sure the soil temperature is at least sixty degrees Fahrenheit 
and tolerates some dips. If you are not in a temperate climate, Genovese basil can
be planted directly in the garden. In this case, you must wait until it is five 
inches tall and has grown in size.

## Thai sweet basil

This fragrant herb is native to southern Asia and is a perennial subshrub that grows
year-round in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. It is an annual in the summer. In 
many cultures, Thai basil is considered sacred and is often grown near Hindu shrines.
Some cultures also use the herb for its medicinal benefits and to combat stress.
Its spicy flavor adds a kick to Asian dishes. For more information, see Growing 
a Basil Plant

Thai Basil is an important kitchen staple in Southeast Asia. It is also known as“
Rau Huue” in Vietnam and Bai Horapa in Thailand. In Thailand, it is a key ingredient
in stir-fried beef dishes such as pad gra prow and gai pad nam prik pao. Thai basil
is also often served with larb, a popular dish in Laos.

Another popular variety of basil is Thai sweet basil. This variety has a spicy, 
anise-like flavor similar to clove. It is great for seasoning soups and sauces and
is also used in ornamental arrangements. Its leaves are large and flat with fine
serrated edges. In summer, sweet basil plants produce flower spikes of small, pink-
purple flowers. You should prune them off to prevent them from developing a bitter
taste.

If you’re looking for a garden basil variety that will give you a unique flavor 
and aroma, Thai sweet basil is an excellent choice. This herb is not as common as
its European cousins, but it is very fragrant and has an anise-clove flavor that
sets it apart from other basil varieties. This herb is popular in Thai cuisine, 
and is readily available in Asian markets. It grows to between 12 and 16 inches 
tall and is an excellent addition to any herb garden.

## Lemon basil

This herb is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly grown for its fragrant lemon
scent. The leaves are green with a delicate citrus flavor and can be dried and used
year-round. Lemon basil can also be used to enhance flower arrangements. Cinnamon
basil, also known as Mexican spice basil, is another strong-scented variety. It 
grows between eight and twenty inches and has aromatic leaves and flowers. It is
one of the smaller basil varieties, but it grows quickly and is easy to grow in 
a garden.

While the leaves of lemon basil look similar to those of traditional basil, it has
a distinctively lemon flavor. Lemon basil is great in fish recipes and salads, and
some people crush the leaves for a lemony scent. Lemon basil is also used in making
teas and infusions. Its lemon scent also helps prevent motion sickness. Many gardeners
grow lemon basil and lime basil together. But if you’re not a fan of the lemon or
lime basil, don’t worry, they are not opposites.

The leaves of lemon basil are similar to those of sweet basil, but have serrated
edges. They are both succulent and have a sweet and sour flavor, and are best paired
with grilled fish or vegetables. They also make a delicious citrus tea. Its leaves
grow in pairs on opposite sides of a square stalk. You can snip the leaves with 
a knife, or tear them into smaller pieces and then use them fresh.

When growing basil, remember to pinch the stems of the plant after harvesting them.
This will ensure a maximum harvest. When growing the basil plant, it is important
to keep the plant watered so that it can remain healthy. If it dries out too quickly,
it will be tough to harvest a harvest. This herb grows rapidly and is best grown
in a container. Most basil varieties will grow as an annual, but it is also great
for an indoor herb garden.

## Cinnamon basil

Cinnamon basil is a popular herb used for its medicinal and culinary properties.
Its fragrant flowers are sometimes used as a garnish for dishes. Traditionally, 
the leaves and flowers of cinnamon basil are dried and used in potpourri and floral
arrangements. This herb has several medicinal uses, including astringent and anti-
inflammatory properties. For this reason, it is an important part of Asian and Middle
Eastern cooking. Here are three common varieties.

Despite its name, cinnamon basil is a lesser known species that contains high levels
of the chemical cinnamate, which is present in cassia and cinnamon. These compounds
give the plants their distinct flavor. Micro basil cinnamon, a type of cinnamon 
basil, is available in both the common and dwarf varieties. The microgreen plant
offers a dainty appearance and full flavor with tender leaves. It can be used in
a variety of dishes as a garnish or in salads. The plant is native to Mexico, where
it is commonly used with fruit flavors.

The plant is also good for container growing. Cinnamon basil thrives in containers,
but the container must have drainage holes. It is best grown in pots of three to
12 liters, but larger sizes will allow it to grow more freely. However, the decision
on container size is entirely up to the grower. A three gallon container is recommended
for growing cinnamon basil in a container. If you’re not sure what size container
to use, consider a three gallon container or a twelve liter pot.

Despite its spicy-sweet flavor, cinnamon basil is easy to grow and is a versatile
plant with multiple uses. In addition to using its leaves in dishes, it is also 
used to make flour, jams, and oils and vinegars. Its flowers are edible, ranging
from pale pink to white to pink. These aromatic flowers are often used as garnishes
in dishes and other culinary endeavors. Aside from its culinary properties, cinnamon
basil is a strong pest repellent.

## Summerlong

There are several types of basil, including Summerlong, purple, and sweet. Purple
basil, for example, is great for container gardens because it doesn’t bolt as quickly
as other basil varieties do. Sweet basil, on the other hand, is an all-purpose basil
that can grow up to 4 feet tall. Summerlong basil is a great choice for cooking 
because it is easy to grow and has a spicy, nutty, cinnamon-like scent.

While the summertime leaves of the summerlong basil are more pronounced than the
summertime leaves of the other varieties, they are still very tasty. The spicier
globe variety is great for pots, window boxes, and container gardens. Its small,
pointed leaves add a spicy kick to soups and other dishes. The summerlong basil 
variety is also great for container gardens because of its compact size and anise-
licorice flavor.

Despite its short, pale green foliage, Summerlong Basil is considered one of the
better performing basil varieties. It takes a long time to bolt, yielding more basil
for a longer period. It also grows best in full sunlight. Currently, it is only 
available from Burpee Seeds. Basil, scientifically known as Ocimum basilicum, is
used in ayurvedic medicine and in many eastern cultures.

Summerlong and Sweet basil are popular varieties, and both provide an aromatic, 
citrus-like flavor. Both basils can be used in salads and dishes, and some varieties
are ornamental. The summer long basil produces red flowers, making it an excellent
plant for the garden. Some basil varieties are smaller than the others, perfect 
for container gardens or people with limited space. The summer basil is easy to 
grow, harvest, and enjoy its lush green beauty.

8 Basil Varieties You Might Not Know About…

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