Botanical profile

Dwarf Basil

Latin name
Ocimum basilicum var. minimum
Common name
Small-leaf basil
Type
Annual
Family
Lamiaceae

Small-leaf basil is an annual herb highly prized for its compact habit, dense foliage, and intense aroma. Its small, delicate, and very aromatic green leaves are perfect for fresh cooking, tomato sauces, salads, pasta, pizzas, pestos, marinades, and Mediterranean dishes. Thanks to its naturally bushy form, it is particularly well-suited for growing in pots, planters, herb boxes, edible borders, and small urban vegetable gardens.

Easy to grow, small-leaf basil prefers a warm, sunny, and wind-protected location, in fertile, light, and well-drained soil. It likes regular watering to maintain tender and flavorful foliage, while avoiding excess water around the roots. To obtain a bushier plant and prolong the harvest, it is recommended to regularly pinch the tips of the stems and remove flowers as soon as they appear. This pruning encourages the production of new aromatic shoots throughout the season.

Very decorative and practical, small-leaf basil is ideal for gardeners looking for a compact, productive, and easy-to-harvest aromatic plant. Its fine foliage can be quickly picked as needed and adds a fresh, classic, and fragrant flavor to summer recipes. It's an excellent choice for creating a gourmet, aesthetic, and accessible herb garden directly on the patio, balcony, or near the kitchen.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Fine, aromatic foliage, ideal for fresh cooking and pot cultivation
Vegetable garden, herbs, balcony, container, edible border
Container growing
Excellent pot culture in a well-drained container
Seasonal care
Pinch regularly to keep a dense shape; remove flowers to prolong leaf production
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Full sun
Watering
Regular; keep the soil lightly moist without soaking it
Humidity
Average humidity; prefers warm, well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light and regular fertilization when potted; avoid excess nitrogen
Soil type
Fertile, light, warm, and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
10°C
Propagation method
Seed or cutting
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Harvest and flowering from summer to autumn
Flower color
White to pale purple
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Warm-climate perennial
Shape
Compact bushy habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
25 to 45 cm (10 to 18 inches)
Width
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, parsley
Plants to avoid
Rue, sage, and plants that prefer very dry soil.
Spacing
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches)
Harvest period
Spring to Fall Leaves
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Repellent
Helps repel certain pests

Repellent

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.