Botanical profile

Basil 'Pesto Perpetuo'

Latin name
Ocimum × citriodorum 'Pesto Perpetuo'
Common name
Basil 'Pesto Perpetuo'
Type
Annual aromatic herb
Family
Lamiaceae

Basil 'Pesto Perpetuo' is a highly decorative and aromatic basil variety, known for its variegated green and cream foliage that adds a bright touch to pots, planters, herb boxes, and urban vegetable gardens. Its naturally upright and elegant habit makes it particularly interesting in edible landscapes, both for its appearance and its classic basil scent. Its flavorful leaves are perfect for homemade pestos, tomato sauces, pasta, salads, pizzas, marinades, and summer recipes.

Easy to grow, 'Pesto Perpetuo' basil prefers a warm, sunny, and wind-sheltered location, in fertile, light, and well-drained soil. It grows very well in containers on a patio, balcony, or near the kitchen, where its foliage can be harvested regularly as needed. Since this variety flowers very little or very late, it offers a longer leaf production than many traditional basils. Regular watering, without excess water, helps maintain a vigorous, dense, and well-scented plant.

Both productive, aesthetic, and easy to integrate, 'Pesto Perpetuo' basil is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a durable, bright, and very useful herb in the kitchen. Its variegated foliage creates a beautiful contrast with green herbs, tomatoes, edible flowers, and potted plants. It is an ideal variety to create an elegant, fragrant, and practical gourmet garden, with a generous harvest throughout the season.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Aromatic variegated foliage and highly decorative columnar habit
Vegetable garden, herbs, balcony, container, edible border, Mediterranean cuisine
Container growing
Excellent pot culture in a well-drained container
Seasonal care
Pinch lightly to encourage branching; harvest leaves as needed and protect from cold
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Regular; keep the soil slightly moist without waterlogging
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
Cuttings
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Harvest from spring to autumn; rare flowering
Flower color
White to pale purple
Foliage color
Green streaked with cream
Foliage type
Persistent in warm climates
Shape
Upright, branched columnar habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
45 to 90 cm (18 to 36 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, bell peppers, eggplants, parsley
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 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.