Also known as Basil · 38 gardener saves
Ocimum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Ocimum, the genus most gardeners know as basil. We track 8 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 8 most-saved Ocimum varieties
Of 8 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedSweet Basil
Ocimum basilicum 'Sweet Basil'
#2 most savedWild Magic Basil
Ocimum basilicum 'Wild Magic'
#3 most savedThai Basil
Ocimum basilicum 'Thai Siam Queen'
Emerald Towers Basil
Ocimum basilicum 'Emerald Towers'
Sweet Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Pesto Perpetuo Basil
Ocimum basilicum 'Pesto Perpetuo'
African Blue Basil
Ocimum basilicum 'African Blue'
Amethyst Improved Basil
Ocimum basilicum 'Amethyst Improved'
How to grow Ocimum
What the Ocimum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 8 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
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 38 real gardener saves — 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.
Keep exploring
Ocimum shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Ocimum in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
