Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum
Family: LAMIACEAE
Common names: “Basil” “sweet basil”
Plant Type: Annual or biennial
Conditions:
Zone: 2-11
Light: Full sun best – part shade
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Fertile cultivated soil
Moisture: Evenly moist well drained
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: 1-2′ H & W
Leaf and Stem shape: Fragrant tender lanceolate leaves
Flower: White flowers, cut off when buds appear 
Maintenance: Low, harvest leaves as they mature, nip off the tops when they flower to increase leaf production
Landscape use: Herb garden, vegetable garden, container
Propagate: By seed and cuttings
Pests & Disease: Maybe some insects, deer
Comments: Native to Africa & Asia, it is said basil grew around the tomb of Christ after the Resurrection, and it is used by the Greek Orthodox to prepare holy water, in India it is believed to be imbued with a divine essence, the key ingredient in pesto! tasty edible leaves can be used fresh or dried and stored
Cultivars: AGM winners: O. b. ‘Pluto’ , O. b. ‘Thai sita’ , O. b. red-leaved
Vancouver Island Grows 