Also known as Basil · 51 saves
Ocimum
Ocimum, the genus most gardeners know as basil. We track 8 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 7 most-saved Ocimum varieties
Browse all 8 Ocimum varieties →
Track your Ocimum in Sow
Save the Ocimum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Ocimum
Whats common across all Ocimum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 8 most-grown of them.
The Ocimum year
- HarvestMay–September100% of varieties
Harvest leaves regularly by cutting stems just above a leaf node
- FertilizeMay–July100% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, especially for container plants
- Pinch TipsMay–August88% of varieties
Pinch growing tips regularly to promote branching and delay flowering
- PlantApril and May75% of varieties
Plant seedlings or sow seeds after all danger of frost has passed
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
- Water deeply once a week during dry periods 🌱
- Pinch back to encourage bushier growth
- Use organic compost annually
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 💧
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Do not let the soil dry out completely
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Ocimum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Japanese beetles | Chewed leaves and skeletonized foliage | Handpick or use organic beetle traps |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and apply horticultural oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on undersides of leaves | Use insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators |
| Downy mildew | Purple or yellow patches on leaves | Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Downy Mildew | Yellowing leaves with fuzzy gray mold underside | Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering |
Making more Ocimum
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in spring.
- Maintain consistent moisture for 2 weeks.
- Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart.
- Harvest leaves after 60 days.
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch stem cuttings in early summer.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist soil or water for 3-4 weeks.
- Transplant rooted cuttings into garden beds.
Ocimum questions
How many types of Ocimum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 8 distinct Ocimum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 51 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Ocimum grow in?
Across its varieties, Ocimum covers USDA Zones 9–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Ocimum bloom?
Most Ocimum varieties bloom in late summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Ocimum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.