Ocimum americanum, known as American basil or "hoary basil", is an annual herb with white or lavender flowers.
It is used for medicinal purposes. Despite the misleading name, it is native to Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, China, Southeast Asia.
Common name | Flower colours | Bloom time | Height | Difficulty |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ocimum americanum | Magenta | June to frost | 1.50 to 2.00 feet | Easy to grow |
Sunlight | Soil | Water | Temperature | Fertilizer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Full sun | Well-drained soil | Medium | 30 to 50 | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Special features: As a seasoning herb in many vegetable and meat dishes, or as a key ingredient of pesto and other condiments.
Culinary use: For the fullest flavor, add fresh basil to dishes within the last 5 or 10 minutes of cooking time. Use fresh basil in tomato dishes, soups, salads, sauces, and pasta. Its flavor blends well with parsley, rosemary, oregano, thyme, and sage.
Ornamental use: The plant is used for ornamental purpose. Its generally keep indoor in living room and in terrace area.