Origin
Mediterranean
Light
Full sun
Watering
Weekly
Care
Moderate
Flowering
Flowering
Edible & Fruit
Basilic
Tender leaves scented with anise and clove: pinch it constantly to keep it from bolting and turning woody.
Care Profile
A guide to ensuring your botanical companion thrives.
Origin
India
Light
Full sun
Watering
Weekly
Maintenance
Easy
The royal herb
Native to India, where it is revered as a sacred plant, basil followed the trade routes to the Mediterranean and became inseparable from the tomato.
It is a heat-hungry annual: it grows fast, wants frequent pinching, and gives a scent all the stronger for full sun.
"Basil rewards the hand that pinches it."
01
Styling Tip 01
Full sun
Give it the hottest, brightest spot: under six hours of sun and its fragrance fades.
02
Styling Tip 02
Regular watering
Water in the morning, once or twice a week, never wetting the leaves, which blacken easily.
03
Styling Tip 03
Pinch the tips
Always cut stems above a pair of leaves: the plant branches out instead of running to flower.
Similar plants
More botanical treasures to discover.
Origin
Mediterranean
Light
Full sun
Watering
Rarely
Care
Easy
Flowering
Flowering