All types of basil are members of the mint family and some basil varieties have been cultivated for more than 5,000 years and there’s more opportunities these days to experiment with growing different varieties.
Basil is an incredible herb, a must-have for any edible garden. Garden-fresh basil is, after all, one of the quintessential tastes of summer.
You might think there’s just one type of basil to enjoy—most likely Genovese basil, a type of sweet basil In fact there are many varieties, each with different levels of spice and sweetness, and each as beautiful as the last.
The best way to experience as many different types of basil as possible (not to mention the freshest flavour) is to grow them yourself.
This sun-loving herb is easy to start from seed, it grows prolifically, and the more leaves you cut from it, the more it gives you.
The best variety to grow for flavour is sweet basil
Thanks to its incredible fragrance and flavour, sweet basil is one of the most popular and widely used herbs around the world. Sweet basil, specifically a variety of sweet basil called Genovese basil, is the star of the Italian classic, pesto, as well as many other sauces and soups. It’s also easy to grow and will give you an abundance of big leaves you can toss onto your meals.
The best variety to grow for basil flowers is Thai basil
Thai basil has purplish stems, produces long stalks of the most beautiful purple flowers, and boasts a liquorice-like aroma. If you really love the flavour of liquorice and anise, try liquorice basil, a type of Thai basil.
The most striking variety to grow is purple basil
This variety is just so pretty, especially when its deep purple leaves stand in contrast to the typical greens of your herb garden. Flavour-wise, purple basil can add a slightly spicy, clove-like kick to your meals.
If you want to be more adventurous with growing different varieties, then here’s a few to try.
GREEK BASIL
This type has smaller leaves but grows tall and wide, making it a great ornamental plant for large containers. Its leaves boast a sweet flavour.
HOLY BASIL
This variety, known as “the queen of herbs,” is native to India and used more for medicinal purposes than culinary ones. The leaves have a peppery flavour and are believed to reduce pain and inflammation and lower blood sugar. The plant produces beautiful flowers and has a wonderful sweet but musky aroma.
CINNAMON BASIL
This fragrant basil smells of—you guessed it—cinnamon! With reddish-purple stems and pink flowers, this variety makes a beautiful addition to any herb garden. Dry the leaves for a cozy cup of tea.
LEMON BASIL
This tangy variety is great for making pesto or tossing onto pasta. Crush or tear the leaves to release the aroma. It’s a more compact plant that’s great for containers.
AROMATTO BASIL
The leaves of this basil have a spicy scent but taste even sweeter than Genovese basil. This is a great type to grow for cut flowers.
LETTUCE LEAF BASIL
Another type of sweet basil, lettuce leaf basil grows huge but mild-flavored leaves that are great for salads.
LIME BASIL
Every bit as citrusy as you’d expect, this zesty variety is great in iced tea, salad dressing, or marinades.
PURPLE RUFFLES BASIL
This variety has ruffled edges and green leaves streaked with purple. It looks beautiful as a garnish or added to cut flowers in a bouquet.
