A kitchen favourite, basil is widely known as the “king of herbs” due to its widespread culinary uses, cultural significance and extensive history. Its name is derived from the Greek work, ‘basileus,’ meaning ‘ruler’ or ‘king’ which suggests Basil’s royal status among herbs.

There are many different types of basil. An herb from the mint family, basil loves the sun but will tolerate a bit of shade. It likes loamy, well-drained soil and is perennial in USDA zones 9-11. Basil is typically considered to be an annual.

A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in Italian dishes like pesto, it is also used in Thai, Indian and other cuisines. Basil is pretty and easy to grow and caring for the herb has been written about at length: click here to learn more!

Having been cultivated for over 5000 years, basil is aromatic, flavourful and has been considered a sacred plant in many cultures for both spiritual and medicinal purposes. The basil family is divided into two types, Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Thai Basil (Ocimum basilica var. Thai) and includes many varieties, each with unique flavours and appearances.

Different Types of Basil:

Sweet Basil: (Genovese, Italian): The best known basil for cooking, it is sweet and slightly peppery flavour. Genovese is a specific type of sweet basil, prized for making pesto sauce.

Holy Basil: Considered a sacred plant in the Hindu religion, with medicinal properties and a slightly different flavour than sweet basil.

Thai Basil: Thai basil is a strongly flavoured option with a slightly licorices-anise flavour, often used in Southeast Asian cuisine due to its ability to withstand high cooking temperatures.

Red Rubin Basil: Another slightly sweet variety with purple-red foliage and flowers, adding a vibrant colour to salads and dishes.

Mammoth Basil: Is robust and known for its large, ruffled leaves that can grow up to 4 inches long. It is prized for its intense, sweet aroma and flavour but the impressive leaf size and vibrant green colour are a striking visual element in both gardens and containers.

Lime Basil: Boasts a citrusy aroma and intense lime note.

African Blue Basil: A hybrid basil with a unique blue-grey colour and a strong, somewhat camphor-ish aroma.

Spicy Globe Basil: This compact plant has a spicier, more peppery flavour than other basils, making it a good choice for adding a kick to any dish.

The best type of basil to grow depends on your personal preferences and cooking needs. Try planting several plants for variety of shape, colour, texture and flavour.