Every year, we plant about a dozen varieties of basil, but I’m told there are over 150 species to choose from! So many basils, so little thyme! Here are some types of basil that I’m crazy about.
Types of Basil to Grow
Genovese Basil
‘Genovese’ is my all-time favorite because it makes an awesome pesto and has lots of real Italian basil flavor.
Classico Basil
‘Classico’ is another Genovese-type that we grow. The seeds are from Italy, but since they do not come from Genoa, they can’t be called Genovese. Those Italians are so strict when it comes to food. The flavor is the same, so it is a good substitute.
Sweet Dani Lemon Basil
I love citrus basil, so we grow both ‘Lime’ and lemon-flavored ‘Sweet Dani’. We have tried other lemon basil varieties such as ‘Mrs. Burns’ but ‘Sweet Dani’ is such a strong growing plant, it leaves the others in the dust, and the flavor is plenty lemony.
Violetto Purple Basil
We have tried many purple basil varieties over the years, but ‘Violetto’, another one from Italy, has the best flavor and the strongest growth. It is reliably colored purple. Many older purple varieties such as ‘Dark Opal’ produced as many green plants or two-toned ones as it did purple from a package of seeds.
Fine Nano Basil
‘Fine Nano’ is a sweet little mouse-ear basil that has good flavor and is perfect for growing in containers indoors or out.
Siam Queen Thai Basil
There are many Thai basils to choose from.Some have purple or red stems and most have purple flowers. ‘Siam Queen’ was an All-America Selections winner years ago and it has stood the test of time. All the Thai basils we have tried have a strong licorice flavor.
Toscano Lettuce Leaf Basil
‘Toscano’ is a lettuce-leaf basil that has large ruffled leaves. The flavor is a little milder than ‘Genovese’ and they are a great addition to sandwiches or salads. Some people use them to wrap sushi.
Best Basil Varities for Specific Uses
| Use | Recommended Variety |
|---|---|
| Best for Pesto | Genovese |
| Best Italian Flavor | Genovese or Classico |
| Best Lemon Flavor | Sweet Dani |
| Best Container Basil | Fine Nano |
| Best Purple Basil | Violetto |
| Best for Thai Cooking | Siam Queen |
| Best for Sandwiches and Wraps | Toscano |
| Most Ornamental | Violetto or Dark Opal |
| Best for Tea and Drinks | Sweet Dani or Lime Basil |
| Best for Small Spaces | Fine Nano |
Growing Basil
Basil is fairly easy to grow as long as you don’t rush the season. Wait until the soil has warmed up nicely and night temperatures are reliably mild—above 50°F at least—before planting it outside. If it gets too cold at night or sits in cold soil it will sulk and its growth will be set back.
It can be seeded directly in the garden in southern regions that have a long season but we start the seeds indoors about 6 weeks before our last frost so we have robust plants ready for the garden when it warms up. The seeds germinate quickly at 70° to 75°F—whether you yell at them or not is up to you.
Basil thrives on heat and full sun. It loves rich moist soil but will grow practically anywhere if watered regularly and fertilized or side-dressed with compost once a month. As a companion plant it is supposed to enhance the growth of tomatoes and peppers and protect them from insects.
See more about growing basil on the Almanac’s Basil Growing Guide.
Basil Folklore
Basil is one of the earliest known herbs, originating in India and Thailand where it was not only a culinary herb but used medicinally and in the Hindu religion. As the plant was carried west, it became part of the cuisine and folklore of many countries.
It has been associated with both love and madness! The early Romans thought that it caused insanity. Ancient Greeks believed that to have a successful basil crop you had to shout and swear at the seeds while planting. In Europe, lovers exchanged sprigs of basil as a symbol of faithfulness.
In rural Mexico, basil is thought to have the power to return a lover’s roving eye. In Haiti, it was used by the pagan love goddess Erzulie as a protector. Shopkeepers there sprinkle basil water around their stores to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best basil variety for pesto?
Genovese basil is considered the classic variety for making pesto because of its strong Italian flavor.
What is the difference between sweet basil and Thai basil?
Sweet basil has a mild, slightly peppery flavor, while Thai basil has notes of licorice and anise.
Which basil grows best in containers?
Fine Nano basil is compact and well suited for indoor and container gardens.
When should basil be harvested?
Harvest basil before flowering for the best flavor and to encourage more leaf production.
With so many types of basil to choose from, there’s a variety to suit every garden and every kitchen. Easy to grow and endlessly useful, basil remains one of the most beloved culinary herbs in the world. Experiment with a few different varieties and you may just discover a new favorite—or fall in love with basil all over again.
What is your favorite type of basil to grow?
If you bought it at the Dollar Store, my money is on it being a generic Sweet Basil. It has the flavor most associated with Italian cooking, similar to 'Genovese' or 'Classico' used on Margherita pizzas in Italy.
Happy shopping Peter! You'll find many varieties to choose from. Have fun experimenting with them!
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