List of Basil Cultivars and Their Unique Traits

Basil is a diverse herb with numerous cultivars, each offering unique traits that cater to different tastes and growing conditions.

Some basil cultivars are bred for their distinctive flavors, such as Thai basil's anise-like taste.

Sweet basil is a popular choice for its classic, sweet flavor and aroma.

Genovese basil is known for its large, dark green leaves and robust flavor.

Purple basil adds a pop of color to salads and dishes with its deep purple leaves.

Consider reading: Purple Basil Plant Care

Basil is a popular herb with many cultivars, each with its unique characteristics. Plant height, or PH, can vary significantly among different genotypes, ranging from 23.0 cm in Fino Verde to 56.3 cm in African basil.

Some basil cultivars are known for their large leaves, like Mammoth, which has a leaf length of 12.4 cm and a leaf width of 8.6 cm. Others, like Fino Verde, have smaller leaves with a length of 1.8 cm and a width of 0.9 cm.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Basil Leaf Herb

The hundred leaf weight, or HLW, can also be an indicator of a basil's quality, with some cultivars like Mammoth and African basil having significantly higher weights, 214.0 g and 148.0 g respectively, compared to others like Fino Verde with a weight of 3.5 g.

A table to compare some of the key characteristics:

Obovatum, also known as Greek basil, is a popular choice for commercial growers due to its fine leaves and pungent aroma, making it ideal for drying.

Its relatively compact size makes it a great option for growing in containers.

Obovatum is not to be confused with O. basilicum minimum, as some seed companies may refer to it as such, but research indicates this classification may be incorrect.

In terms of growth parameters, Obovatum is not directly listed in the table, but we can compare its characteristics to other basil species.

Basil is a popular herb used in many cuisines around the world. It's a member of the mint family and comes in a wide variety of flavors and aromas.

There are over 160 known basil cultivars, each with its unique characteristics. This diversity makes basil a versatile herb for cooking and gardening.

Some basil cultivars are better suited for indoor growing due to their compact size, such as 'Thai Basil' and 'Genovese Basil'.

Basil varieties come in a range of sizes, with some growing as tall as 56.3 cm, while others remain low-growing at 23.0 cm.

Some popular dwarf varieties, like 'Spicy Globe', grow to a mature height of just eight inches, making them perfect for container gardens.

The largest leaves of all basil plants are found in the Italian Large Leaf cultivar, which can grow up to 24-30 inches tall and 12 inches wide.

The 'Mammoth' sweet basil cultivar stands out with its exceptionally long leaves, measuring 12.4 cm in length and 8.6 cm in width, while the 'Fino Verde' has smaller leaf growth, with leaves that are 1.8 cm longer and 0.9 cm wider.

Genovese basil, a traditional Italian heirloom type, grows to a mature height of 16 inches tall and has a spread of 12 inches.

Check this out: Basil Plant Growing Conditions

Genovese is a traditional heirloom Italian type of basil, known for its pronounced anise flavor and sweet clove fragrance.

It grows to a mature height of 16 inches tall with a spread of 12 inches, making it a great choice for the kitchen garden.

This variety is perfect for pesto, fresh salads, and all things savory.

Genovese basil is also great for container gardens, where it will grow to a mature height of just eight inches with a similar spread.

It's a popular choice for eating fresh in salads and wraps, or incorporating into curries, soups, stews, and stir-fries.

The Italian Large Leaf basil variety is a classic cultivar that boasts the largest leaves of all basil plants. It has a sweet and mild flavor, making it versatile in the kitchen and perfect for pesto.

This variety grows to a mature height of 24-30 inches, with a 12-inch spread. It's ideal for using in wraps, layering in sandwiches, or adding bulk to pestos without overpowering other flavors.

Its oversized, crinkled leaves are mild and sweet, making it a great choice for pesto and sauces. This cultivar grows 18 to 24 inches tall and wide, and is also a lovely container plant wherever the tangy fragrance can be enjoyed.

Italian Large Leaf basil is easy to spot thanks to its distinctive leaves, and it's a popular choice for gardeners due to its ease of growth and delicious flavor.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Italian Basil Plant

If you're looking for a spicy kick in your basil, the 'Spicy Globe' variety is a great choice. It forms a compact, rounded mound covered in petite leaves that pack plenty of flavor.

'Verano' is another option, but we're focusing on the 'Spicy Globe' for now. Plants grow to about eight to 10 inches tall and wide, making them a natural fit for containers or borders.

You can find 'Spicy Globe' seeds available at Eden Brothers, so it's easy to get your hands on some.

For another approach, see: Spicy Basil Herb

If you're looking to try out some of the basil cultivars mentioned in this article, you can find them at your local nursery or online seed retailers.

Sweet Basil is a popular choice for home gardeners and can be grown from seed or seedlings.

Genovese Basil is another variety that's widely available and can be used in a variety of dishes, from pesto to caprese salads.