Oatmeal Farm Network | Basil Varietals

Varietal Name	Description	Soil Texture	pH Range	Organic Matter	Hardiness Zone	Humidity
African Blue Basil	A perennial variety with purple stems and blue-green leaves, offering a camphor-like aroma and slightly spicy flavor, great for teas and cooking.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Aristotle Basil	A dwarf variety with small leaves and a potent flavor, often used for garnishing and in small garden spaces.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Boxwood Basil	A compact, ornamental basil with tiny leaves and a mild flavor, resembling a boxwood shrub, used for borders and culinary purposes.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Cardinal Basil	An ornamental variety with large, red flowers and flavorful green leaves, used in salads and garnishes.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Cinnamon Basil	A unique variety with cinnamon-scented leaves and a warm, spicy flavor, often used in fruit dishes and teas.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Dark Opal Basil	A dark purple basil with ornamental appeal and a mild, sweet flavor, used as a garnish or in vinegars.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Dwarf Greek Basil	A compact basil with tiny, aromatic leaves and a peppery flavor, used for garnishes and in Mediterranean dishes.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Emerald Tower Basil	A tall basil variety with large, glossy leaves and a sweet, aromatic flavor, great for continuous harvesting.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Genovese	The most common variety of basil with large, dark green leaves and a sweet, slightly spicy flavor, perfect for pesto, salads, and Italian dishes.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Greek Basil	A compact basil variety with small leaves and a mild, sweet flavor, perfect for garnishing and small dishes.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Green Ruffles Basil	A decorative basil variety with ruffled, green leaves and a mild, sweet flavor, often used in salads and as a garnish.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Holy Basil	A sacred variety in Indian culture, known for its medicinal properties and peppery, clove-like flavor, used in teas and curries.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Italian Large Leaf Basil	A variety with broad, smooth leaves and a sweet, strong flavor, ideal for Italian cooking, especially pesto and pasta dishes.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Lemon Basil	A fragrant basil variety with a distinct lemony aroma and flavor, ideal for seafood, salads, and dressings.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Lettuce Leaf Basil	A basil variety with large, crinkled leaves and a mild, sweet flavor, often used in salads or as a wrap for foods.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Lime Basil	A variety of basil with a citrusy lime flavor and aroma, perfect for adding a zesty touch to salads, seafood, and desserts.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Magic Michael Basil	A compact basil with dark purple flowers and a mild, sweet flavor, used in decorative and culinary applications.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Mammoth Basil	A basil variety with enormous, ruffled leaves and a strong, sweet flavor, ideal for making pesto or wrapping foods.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Minette Basil	A compact, bushy basil with small leaves and a spicy-sweet flavor, great for container gardening and adding to sauces.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Mrs. Burns’ Lemon Basil	A special lemon basil variety with a strong citrus scent and flavor, used for fish dishes, salads, and desserts.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Napoletano Basil	An Italian basil variety with large, crinkled leaves and a strong, sweet flavor, perfect for making pesto and sauces.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Osmin Purple Basil	A variety with dark purple leaves and a slightly spicy flavor, often used as a garnish or in salads.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Perpetual Basil	A hybrid basil with variegated green and white leaves, offering a sweet, mild flavor and ideal for decorative and culinary purposes.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Piccolino Basil	A small-leaf basil with a mild flavor, perfect for container gardening and adding to dishes like pasta and sauces.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Pistou Basil	A dwarf variety of basil with small, tender leaves and a delicate flavor, perfect for making the French sauce pistou.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Purple Basil	A striking basil variety with deep purple leaves and a mild, slightly spicy flavor, often used as a garnish or in salads.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Siam Queen Basil	A Thai basil variety with large leaves and a spicy, licorice-like flavor, often used in Southeast Asian cuisine.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Spicy Globe Basil	A small, bushy basil variety with a strong, spicy flavor, often used in salads, dressings, and sauces.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Summerlong Basil	A compact basil bred for extended harvest, with sweet, aromatic leaves perfect for culinary use throughout the summer.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Sweet Basil	A popular basil variety with smooth, glossy leaves and a sweet, aromatic flavor, commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low
Thai Basil	An Asian basil variety with small, purple-tinged leaves and a strong anise flavor, often used in Thai and Vietnamese dishes.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	1A	Low