Botanical profile

Greek Basil

Latin name
Ocimum basilicum var. minimum
Common name
Greek Basil
Type
Annual aromatic herb
Family
Lamiaceae

Greek basil is a compact annual herb, highly valued for its naturally rounded habit and fine, dense, and very aromatic foliage. Its small green leaves release a classic basil scent, fresh, slightly peppery, and very flavorful, perfect for tomato sauces, salads, pasta, pizzas, marinades, pestos, and Mediterranean dishes. Thanks to its bushy and well-structured form, it is ideal for pots, planters, edible borders, urban gardens, and small spaces near the kitchen.

Easy to grow, Greek basil prefers a warm, sunny, and wind-protected location, in fertile, light, and well-drained soil. It performs particularly well in containers, where its compact habit remains decorative and easy to maintain. Regular watering helps keep the foliage tender and fragrant, while avoiding excess water at the roots. To encourage a denser plant and prolong harvesting, it is recommended to regularly pinch the stem tips and remove flowers as soon as they appear.

Both decorative, productive, and very practical in the kitchen, Greek basil is an excellent choice for creating an elegant and gourmet herb garden. Its miniature foliage is easily harvested as needed and adds a fresh flavor to summer recipes without requiring large leaves to cut. It is a perfect variety for basil lovers looking for a compact, fragrant, aesthetic plant that is easy to integrate on a terrace, balcony, or in a sunny vegetable garden.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Compact, rounded habit and small, very fragrant aromatic leaves
Vegetable garden, herbs, balcony, container, edible border
Container growing
Excellent container plant in a small, well-drained pot
Seasonal care
Pinch lightly to keep a dense shape; 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 waterlogging
Humidity
Average humidity; 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
Harvest and bloom from summer to autumn
Flower color
White to pale purple
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Persistent in warm climates
Shape
Compact, rounded, and dense habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 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, oregano
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.