Common Name: Basil, Persian
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
AKA: Reyhan
Type: Annual
Height: 18 – 24 in.
Width: 12 – 18 in.
Habit: Mounding
Flower: Insignificant
Bloom Season: Slow to bloom, but beautiful when it does
Foliage: Large leaves
Flavor: Oregano-like overtones, a hint of anise, and lots of peppery spiciness
Fragrance: Distinctive aroma, both lemony and spice like
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Warm soil with a bit of compost
Water: Average to slightly moist
Tolerant: Deer
Resistant: Pest and disease
Culinary Uses: Terrific in any kind of Middle Eastern or Asian dishes, fish, bread, cheese, salads, sandwiches
Medicinal Uses: Anti-oxidant, anti –bacterial, reduce the intensity of cough, stress relief, acne treatment
Garden Uses: Great in containers, herb garden
Harvesting: Frequent pruning, including removal of flower stalks, encourages new leaf growth, more branching & discourages flowering.
Attracts: Butterflies, bees
Information provided on the traditional uses and properties of herbs are for educational use only, and is not intended as medical advice. You should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs.