Moana Nursery High Desert Plant Finder & Guide
herb

Persian Basil

Ocimum basilicum 'Persian'

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Persian Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Persian') at Moana Nursery

Persian Basil foliage

Persian Basil foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  18 inches

Spacing:  10 inches

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  (annual)

Other Names:  Anise Basil, Licorice Basil,

Description:

A very ornamental variety with purple flower spikes in mid summer; medium sized green leaves at the base of the plant, with more purple at the apex; spicy flavor; great for mixed containers, herb gardens, and annual beds

Edible Qualities

Persian Basil is an annual herb that is typically grown for its edible qualities, although it does have ornamental merits as well. The small fragrant pointy green leaves with showy purple variegation are usually harvested from early summer to early fall. The leaves have a spicy taste.

The leaves are most often used in the following ways:

  • Fresh Eating
  • Cooking
  • Seasoning
  • Sauces

Planting & Growing

Persian Basil will grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 10 inches apart. This fast-growing annual will normally live for one full growing season, needing replacement the following year.

This plant is quite ornamental as well as edible, and is as much at home in a landscape or flower garden as it is in a designated herb garden. It should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Persian Basil is a good choice for the edible garden, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers and foliage against which the larger thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Edging  Garden  Herb  Container 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color  Bark  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features