Ocimum minimum
Greek basil
An attractive, compact, annual with highly aromatic, edible, bright green foliage, reminiscent of cloves. Spikes of small, tubular pink or white flowers appear in late summer
Other common names
Greek basilSynonyms
Ocimum basilicum var. minimum 'Greek'Ocimum basilicum 'Bush'
see moreOcimum basilicum var. minimum
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Ocimum can be aromatic annuals, evergreen perennials or shrubs with opposite, linear to broadly-ovate leaves and small tubular white or pinkish flowers in whorls forming a spike
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow as an annual, indoors, in moist but well drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Can move outdoors in summer. Best grown in a container. See basil cultivation for more information
Propagation
Propagate by seed in gentle heat in spring under glass or indoors
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pinch out flower heads as they appear to encourage continued leaf growth. If left to flower, cut back after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and leafhoppers
Diseases
May be susceptible to Powdery mildews
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