Varieties of Basil, Ocimum sp. (Lamiaceae)

Common name

Botanical Name

Characteristics

Use/comments

Aussie Sweetie

Ocimum basilicum ‘Aussie Sweetie’

Columnar growth habit, 3-4 ft. tall,
late bloomer

Good culinary basil; complex aroma

Cinnamon

Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon’

Spicy aroma and taste; growth habit
similar to sweet basil

Jelly, vinegar, tea, potpourri; add to
fresh floral arrangements

Cuban

Ocimum basilicum ‘Cuban’

Columnar form with showy, cone-shaped
flower heads

Good culinary basil

Fino Verde

Ocimum basilicum ‘Fino
Verde’

Compact growth habit with intense sweet
basil flavor

Perfect for containers

Genoa

Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’

Wonderful flavor & fragrance; large
leaves

Genoa/Genovese is a favorite for pesto
in Italy and America

Lemon

Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum x O. americanum)

Intensely fragrant lemon flavor

Ideal for tea or potpourri

Lime

Ocimum basilicum ‘Lime’

Lime scented; similar to lemon basil

Tea, fruit salads

Lettuce Leaf

Ocimum basilicum ‘Lettuce Leaf’

Large, ruffled leaves

Add to green salads, sauces

Lesbos

Ocimum basilicum ‘Lesbos’

Columnar growth habit; late bloomer

Add to green salads, herb flavored pestos & herb butters

Magical Michael

Ocimum basilicum ‘Magical Michael’

‘All America Winner’ in
2002; compact lush green foliage

Good container plant; ornamental,
aromatic & edible

Mammoth

Ocimum basilicum ‘Mammoth’

The name says it all! Large leaves;
good flavor & fragrance

Similar to lettuce leaf

Nufar Genovese

Ocimum basilicum ‘Nufar’

The first fusarium-resistant
variety of sweet basil

Genovese type—good for pesto

Osmin Purple

Ocimum basilicum ‘Osmin’

Darkest of the purple basils

Vinegars; ornamental landscape use

Purple Ruffles

Ocimum basilicum ‘Purple Ruffles’

‘All America Winner’ 1987;
ruffled leaves add visual interest

Vinegars; wonderful in the ornamental
border

Common name

Botanical Name

Characteristics

Use/comments

Red Rubin

Ocimum basilicum ‘Red Rubin’

Reddish purple leaves; vigorous plant
with good color

Jellies; vinegars

Sacred

Ocimum tenuiflorum

Compact globe shape; intoxicating clove
scent

Heavy bloomer; ornamental

Thai Basil, Siam Queen

Ocimum basilicum ‘Siam Queen’

‘All America Winner ‘1997;
spicy anise-licorice aroma and flavor

Ornamental & culinary uses

Spicy Globe

Ocimum basilicum minimum ‘Spicy Globe’

Attractive bush basil; compact plant
with rounded shape

Good container plant; spicy aroma and
taste.

Basil is the 2003 ‘Herb of
the Year’. Our list includes several popular varieties of this flavorful herb,
but there are many more varieties of basil commercially available. We hope to
have all the varieties above at our 2003 Herb Plant Sale (to be held on May 10,
2003). Several sources have been used to compile this list: Basil, An Herb Lover’s Guide, by Thomas DeBaggio & Susan Belsinger,
Interweave Press, 1996; Richter’s Herb Catalog; plus various Internet
sources. 5/6/03 rkh