All types of basil make useful companion plants, but one type is the clear winner for deterring pests. Growing basil as a companion plant provides natural pest control. A study showed bush basil ...

Understanding the Context

Essential Types of Basil: Explore Flavours, Varieties and Growing Tip: By Vagisha Jha Exploring the types of basil opens up a world of fresh flavours, fragrant gardens and healthful traditions. From ... MSN: This Type of Basil Is Way Better Than Others at Repelling Garden Pests, a New Study Reveals This Type of Basil Is Way Better Than Others at Repelling Garden Pests, a New Study Reveals Basil is a flavorful, leafy green herb that originated in Asia and Africa. It’s a member of the mint family, and many different varieties exist.

Key Insights

Popular as a food seasoning, this aromatic herb is... Basil[a] (Ocimum basilicum[b]), also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known as Genovese basil or sweet basil. Whether you’re growing it in your backyard, on a patio, or right on your kitchen windowsill, basil is easy to grow and endlessly useful.

Final Thoughts

From starting seeds indoors to snipping the perfect leaves for your next meal, we’ll walk you through how to plant, grow, and harvest basil like a pro. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a fragrant culinary herb from the mint family (Lamiaceae), widely used in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. Beyond its aroma and flavor, basil is valued for its impressive nutritional profile and natural plant compounds that may support health in multiple ways.