Basil

The king of summer herbs — fragrant basil (Ocimum basilicum) from sweet Genovese to Thai, lemon and purple types. A must for any culinary herb garden or sunny windowsill.

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Herb Seeds – SeedsChoice

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Basil seeds — Ocimum basilicum from sweet Genovese to Thai

Basil is the king of summer herbs — fragrant, fast and indispensable in the kitchen, from classic sweet Genovese to spicy Thai, lemon and purple varieties. Explore the whole Ocimum basilicum group within our culinary herb range. New to herbs from seed? Our herb growing guide is the place to begin.

Basil loves warmth. Sow once it's warm for non-stop leaves — the herb calendar shows the timing.

Types of basil to grow

Sweet Genovese is the pesto classic, while Thai, lemon, cinnamon and dark purple basils each add their own twist. As a tender annual, basil sits among our annual herbs and earns its place in any collection of aromatic herbs for its scent alone.

Growing lush, bushy plants

Sow indoors in warmth, keep it bright, and water in the morning rather than the evening to avoid damping off. Pinch out the growing tips often to keep plants bushy and delay flowering — our watering guide and companion planting guide (basil and tomatoes are classic partners) both help.

No garden? No problem. Basil thrives on a sunny windowsill or balcony in a single pot.

Popular herb categories: Ocimum basilicum · Culinary Herbs · Annual Herbs · Aromatic Herbs · All Herb Seeds

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I sow basil?
In warmth from spring onwards — basil hates cold, so wait until it's reliably warm or start it indoors. See the herb sowing calendar.

Why does my basil collapse or damp off?
Cold, wet, overcrowded conditions and evening watering are the usual causes. Keep it warm and bright and water in the morning.

How do I keep basil bushy?
Pinch out the growing tips regularly and remove any flower buds to keep the leaves coming.

Can I grow basil indoors?
Yes — a sunny windowsill keeps a pot of basil productive all summer.

What grows well with basil?
Tomatoes are the classic companion, in the garden and on the plate.