Organic Italian Basil

Common name Italian Basil
Latin name Ocimum basilicum
Quantity per packet Approximately 400 seeds

Organic Italian Basil produces abundant aromatic leaves for a wide variety of traditional recipes. Its vigorous growth and easy cultivation make it ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

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Product information
Product
identification
Common nameItalian Basil
Latin nameOcimum basilicum
FamilyLamiaceae
TypeHerb
CycleAnnual
Quantity per packApproximately 400 seeds
Code produitBIOVO-0003
Product
description

Organic Italian Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an essential annual culinary herb for the vegetable garden, prized for its deep green, tender, highly fragrant foliage. It quickly forms dense, attractive clumps that add ornamental value to containers, kitchen gardens, and edible borders. Its classic fresh basil aroma makes it indispensable for pesto, tomato sauces, salads, seasonings, grilled vegetables, and Mediterranean dishes. Fast growth allows generous harvests throughout summer, while its small white flowers attract bees and other pollinators when a few stems are allowed to bloom.

Sow Organic Italian Basil indoors from March through May, or direct sow outdoors once temperatures are consistently warm and all danger of frost has passed. It prefers full sun, protection from cold winds, and rich, loose, slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil kept lightly moist. Mature compost or a balanced organic fertilizer supports vigorous growth without excess. Water regularly without waterlogging, then pinch stem tips throughout the season to encourage branching. Remove flowers to extend production of tender, aromatic leaves.

In the garden, Organic Italian Basil fits easily into vegetable gardens, raised beds, patio containers, and edible plantings near the kitchen. It pairs especially well with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Ground Cherries, creating fragrant, flavorful combinations for summer harvests. Avoid growing it near Rue and Fennel, which are less compatible with its growth. Its decorative foliage adds presence to edible landscapes, while a few flowering plants provide a valuable resource for pollinators. Productive, easy, and versatile, Ocimum basilicum combines beauty, biodiversity, and culinary pleasure.

Sowing
guide
Sowing periodMarch to June
Best time
March to June
Sowing depth0.5 cm (0.2 in)
Germination temperature20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F)
Germination time5 to 10 days
Propagation
Primarily propagated by seed. Stem cuttings also root easily in water or a light growing medium.
Growing
method
Start seeds indoors from March through May, or sow directly outdoors once warm weather has arrived and the soil has warmed. Cover the seeds lightly with fine growing medium and keep the soil consistently moist until germination. This variety thrives in rich, loose, well-drained soil and a warm location protected from cold winds. Pinch the growing tips regularly to encourage branching and greater leaf production. Remove flower buds as soon as they appear to prolong harvests and preserve the best flavor. Frequent harvesting keeps plants vigorous and productive throughout the season.
Soil
and care
ExposureFull sun
Soil
Rich, fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Fertile soil promotes abundant, intensely aromatic foliage.
Soil pHSlightly acidic to neutral
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Consistent moisture encourages tender, highly aromatic foliage while helping prevent stress during hot weather.
Fertilization
Apply mature compost or a balanced organic fertilizer to encourage vigorous growth. Moderate feeding is generally sufficient to maintain abundant foliage without reducing flavor.
Care levelEasy
Water regularly to maintain lightly moist soil without overwatering. Pinch the growing tips throughout the season to encourage branching and remove flower buds as they appear to maximize leaf production. Harvest frequently to stimulate fresh growth. A light mulch helps retain moisture during hot summer weather.
Container
growing
Recommended pot size
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)
Organic Italian Basil grows exceptionally well in containers on patios, balconies, or near the kitchen. Use a well-drained container in a warm, sunny location to encourage vigorous growth and continuous production of fragrant leaves. Frequent harvesting promotes compact growth and extends the harvest throughout summer.
Bloom,
harvest
and garden
Its abundant, intensely fragrant foliage provides generous harvests throughout summer. This fast-growing variety is prized for its versatility in the kitchen and outstanding garden performance.
Organic Italian Basil produces abundant aromatic leaves for a wide variety of traditional recipes. Its vigorous growth and easy cultivation make it ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Garden use
Organic Italian Basil is ideal for vegetable gardens, raised beds, patio containers, kitchen gardens, and edible landscapes. It pairs beautifully with tomatoes and other summer vegetables while supporting pollinators when allowed to flower. Its fragrant foliage also adds ornamental beauty to edible plantings.
Bloom period
Small white nectar-rich flowers bloom from midsummer onward, especially when plants are harvested less frequently. They attract bees and other beneficial pollinators.
Flower colorWhite
Foliage colorDeep green
Harvest
77 days after sowing
Fruiting
Not applicable
Wildlife appealBees and pollinators
Size
and facts
Height45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in)
Spread30 cm (12 in)
Growth rateFast
Minimum temperature10°C (50°F)
Foliage typeDeciduous
Papillonstrue
Planting
partners
Good companions
Ground Cherry, Pepper, Tomato
Avoid planting with
Rue, Fennel
Recipe
and inspiration
Organic Italian Basil is perfect for preparing pesto, tomato sauces, fresh salads, homemade seasonings, and Mediterranean dishes. Harvest the leaves just before use to enjoy their fullest aroma and flavor. It also complements cooked dishes, grilled vegetables, pizzas, sandwiches, and pasta recipes.
Frequently asked questions
Start seeds indoors several weeks before the last expected spring frost. Transplant outdoors only after nighttime temperatures remain warm and all danger of frost has passed.
Yes. Organic Italian Basil performs exceptionally well in deep containers with fertile, well-drained soil. Full sun and regular watering produce vigorous growth and abundant harvests.
Harvest stems just above a pair of leaves to encourage branching and new growth. Frequent harvesting keeps plants compact and productive throughout the season.
Removing flower buds helps the plant direct its energy into producing leaves. This keeps the foliage tender, aromatic, and highly productive.
Yes. Organic Italian Basil is an open-pollinated variety, allowing seeds to be collected from mature plants. Dry the seeds thoroughly before storing them.
The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.