plant

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) — a plant, for Full sun, Medium water. Companions: Tomato, Common bean.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermoderate

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomassmedium
Pollinator_serviceshigh

Companions

Keep apart from

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceSeeds germinate when soil temperatures are consistently warm.
floweringFlowering typically begins in mid-summer as days lengthen, continuing until frost.
harvestLeaves can be harvested continuously from young plants until frost.
senescencePlants are sensitive to cold and will die back with the first autumn frost.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalNo
Soil textureloam, sandy_loam
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceLow

Propagation

Methodsseed
Difficulty1 / 5
Establishes in~0 yr
Self-seedingModerate

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, butterflies
Repelsflies, mosquitoes, aphids, tomato hornworm
Can host diseasesfusarium wilt