Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Last reviewed: October 2026
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a annual forb. It blooms in June, July, and August.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native alternatives to Basil
Basil is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
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A tender annual herb with aromatic leaves, grown for continuous harvest through the warm season. Pinching the tips prevents flowering and keeps leaf production going. It collapses at the first frost.
Growing Basil
Grow Basil in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Basil takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: front yard, foundation bed, border.
Wildlife value
Grown as an ornamental. Non-native plants support far fewer local insects than a native of similar size, so treat this as garden interest rather than habitat.
Common questions
- How much sun does Basil need?
- Basil grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Basil bloom?
- Basil blooms in June, July, and August.
- Is Basil toxic to dogs?
- Basil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Basil toxic to cats?
- Basil is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Basil HOA-friendly?
- Basil takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Basil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.