Botanical profile

Basil 'Dolce Fresca'

Latin name
Ocimum basilicum 'Dolce Fresca'
Common name
Basil 'Dolce Fresca'
Type
Annual aromatic herb
Family
Lamiaceae

‘Dolce Fresca’ basil is a compact and very productive annual herb, appreciated for its abundant green foliage with a classic sweet basil scent. Its fresh, slightly peppery, and highly aromatic taste makes it an ideal variety for homemade pestos, tomato sauces, salads, pasta, pizzas, marinades, and summer recipes. Thanks to its well-branched and more compact habit than many traditional basils, it is perfect for pots, herb boxes, planters, and small urban vegetable gardens.

Easy to grow, 'Dolce Fresca' basil prefers a warm, sunny, and wind-protected location, in fertile, light, and well-drained soil. It offers excellent performance in containers, especially on a patio, balcony, or near the kitchen, where its leaves can be harvested regularly as needed. Regular watering, without overwatering, helps maintain tender, dense, and flavorful foliage. Frequent harvesting of young shoots encourages branching and extends production throughout the season.

Both flavorful, decorative, and very practical, ‘Dolce Fresca’ basil is perfect for gardeners looking for a compact, generous, and easy-to-maintain basil. Its dense growth allows for a good harvest even in confined spaces, while maintaining a neat appearance in containers. It is an excellent variety for creating a gourmet, fragrant, and productive garden, with an essential herb always at hand.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Compact habit and abundant aromatic foliage ideal for pesto and fresh cooking
Vegetable garden, herbs, balcony, container, Mediterranean cuisine
Container growing
Excellent potted plant in a well-drained container
Seasonal care
Pinch regularly to encourage a dense habit; harvest leaves as needed; remove flowers to prolong leaf production
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Regular; keep the soil slightly moist without overwatering
Humidity
Average moisture; prefers warm, well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light and regular fertilization in pots; avoid excess nitrogen
Soil type
Fertile, light, warm, and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
10°C
Propagation method
Sowing or cuttings
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer to Fall Harvest and Bloom
Flower color
White to pale mauve
Foliage color
Dark green
Foliage type
Hardy in warm climates
Shape
Compact, bushy and rounded habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

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

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, parsley
Spacing
25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches)
Harvest period
Leaves from spring to autumn
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.