- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
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Variety Info
Family: Laminaceae
Type: Basil (Learn more)
Native: Probably Africa, but in cultivation for so long that it cannot be verified.
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Plant Dimensions: 18"–30" tall
Variety Info: CINNAMON: 24"–30" tall; looks like sweet basil but with red stems and pink flowers. Has a cinnamon fragrance and very sweet flavor. Use in fruit salads, jellies, and in fresh and dried flower arrangements. GENOVESE: 18"–24" tall; large leaf green basil with spicy flavor and fragrance; this is the true Italian pesto basil from the Genoa area of Italy, the pesto capital of the world. LEMON: 18" tall; small leaves, with a strong lemon fragrance and flavor. Nice in vinegar and complements dishes with a lemon base. LIME: 18" tall; dark green, shiny leaves; sweet lime aroma with citrus flavor for memorable flavored oils and sauces. Use in desserts such as a delicious lime basil sorbet. LARGE LEAF: 18"–24" tall, 10" wide. Medium dark-green leaves and a sweet, "all-around" basil. 'DARK OPAL': 24" tall, purple leaves with mild, sweet flavor just right for pesto, pasta, and salad; makes a lovely pink vinegar or oil. A beautiful addition to any garden.
Attributes: Frost Sensitive, Good for Containers
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F, ideally 65°–85°F. Successive Sowings: We recommend 3 or 4 successive sowings every 3 weeks after initial sowing.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outside. Transplant when your nighttime temperatures are above 50°F.
Days to Emerge: 5 – 10 Days
Seed Depth: ¼"
Seed Spacing: A group of 2 seeds every 12"
Row Spacing: 12"
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 12"
Your hardiness zone is
Growing Info
Harvesting: Basil flavor is best before the plant flowers. Harvest up to 1/3 of the plant at a time, leaving enough for the plant to be healthy and keep producing. Harvest prior to a frost; basil is very frost sensitive.
- INDIRARated 3 out of 5 stars8/7/25Did not grow
I tried to plant this on three different occasions, but nothing happened. I'm not sure what I was doing wrong, but I will try again next year.
BIBotanical Interests8/12/25Hey Indira,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Nick F.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1/12/255 Stars
Quality seeds. Thanks much.
- janet j.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars11/19/245 Stars
there's never enough basil, love the assortment.
- Ginger B.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars8/20/245 Stars
The basil blends grew nicely and had some lovely leaves and flowers!
- Kerry L.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars8/9/245 Stars
Check out my basil!! I planted them 2 weeks ago! Now I thought I only put 2 seeds in the Cardinal pot and well, lol, and check out the mix! Super excited about the Opal basil!!
Thank you BI for awesome products!