Sweet Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Sweet Basil is a fast-growing perennial, hardy in USDA zones 2-11, that matures to about 1.5-2 ft × 1.5-2 ft. It does best in full sun with medium water needs in well-drained and moist soil. Expect pink, purple and white blooms in summer. It stands up well to deer and rabbits, grows happily in containers.

USDA zones: 2-11
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Mature size: 1.5-2 ft × 1.5-2 ft
Growth rate: Fast
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Well-drained, Moist
Bloom color: Pink, Purple, White
Bloom season: Summer
Tough against: Deer, Rabbits
Native to: Tropical Asia

Freeze survival

Will it survive your winters?

We score Sweet Basil’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.