Basil is a delightfully aromatic herb that elevates recipes and herb gardens alike. There are several different varieties of basil that you can cultivate, so you have plenty of options when planning your garden. Plus, it is easy to grow basil from seed or transplants, so it's an excellent choice for beginner and expert gardeners.

Discover four flavorful varieties of basil to find out which species and cultivar is the best option for your herb garden! Before you know it, you'll have a thriving selection of basil plants you can harvest for your home cuisine.

What Types of Basil Should You Cultivate?

One of the best ways to pick a cultivar is to consider what you intend to use it for. Different types of basil have unique aromas and flavors. Deciding whether you want a sweet or spicy aroma will help narrow down the best choice for your herb garden.

Sweet Basil

Genovese Basil Cultivar

Image credits: Nicole Bratt via Wikimedia

Sweet basil, or Ocimum basilicum, is one of the most popular types of basil. It is used in countless recipes to accentuate dishes with its savory flavor. It also has several common cultivars, including 'Genovese' and Thai basil.

Sweet basil grows well as an annual in zones 2 to 11, meaning you must replant it in your herb garden each year. For best results, directly sow seeds ¼ inch deep when temperatures are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are eager to start before it warms up outside, you can also cultivate sprouts indoors. Sow seeds inside six weeks before the last spring frost in soil with a pH of 6 to 7.5.

You can then transplant your seedlings when temperatures are optimal. Remember to harden off plants by taking them outside for a few more hours each day to help them acclimate better to the outdoors. Then, plant them where they will get full sun or six hours of daily sunlight and water to keep the soil moist.

Ocimum basilicum also includes varieties of lemon basil, like 'Sweet Dani,' 'Mrs. Burns,' and 'Persian Lemon,' which will fill your garden with an intense lemon or citrus fragrance.

Pro Tip: Generally, you can start harvesting sweet basil leaves when the plants are 6 to 8 inches tall. Then, for the most flavor, pick the leaves in the morning by pinching them off from the main stem.

Holy Basil

Holy Basil Variety

Image credits: Dinesh Valke via Flickr

Another popular type of basil is holy basil or Ocimum tenuiflorum. Holy basil also has a few popular names, including hot basil and Tulasi. If you want to add a pop of spicy flavor to your cooking, holy basil is an excellent choice to cultivate.

Like sweet basil, holy basil thrives in full sunlight and grows best when it gets six hours daily. Cultivate it in soils that have a pH of 6 to 8 and a combination of organic matter, silt, and sand for optimal drainage. Keep in mind that holy basil loves to spread, so to prevent it from taking over, plant it in a container herb garden.

Pro Tip: You can also grow basil inside to enjoy it all year. Place cut stems from your herb garden in a jar of water to encourage roots to form. When you can see the roots, transfer cuttings to containers with excellent drainage in your kitchen herb garden. Lastly, place your basil somewhere it will get six hours of sun each day, and water the soil, so it is moist to the touch.

Pesto Perpetuo

Basil Cultivar Pesto Perpetuo

Image credits: Serres Fortier via Flickr

'Pesto Perpetuo' has two scientific names, Ocimum × citriodorum and Ocimum × African. If you are looking for a basil variety that you can use to cook up pesto, then this is a top choice! 'Pesto Perpetuo' is a wonderful addition to pestos, marinades, and soup seasonings.

While you can definitely grow this herb for its flavor, 'Pesto Perpetuo' is also a beautiful ornamental variety of basil. It has variegation in its foliage, producing lush leaves with green and white marbling. To cultivate 'Pesto Perpetuo,' you have to purchase starter plants. This cultivar doesn't produce seeds or flowers. Aside from this, its care requirements are similar to sweet basil, as it relishes six hours of full sunlight and does best when you water the soil to keep it moist.

African Blue Basil

African Blue Basil

Image credits: Chic Bee via Flickr

African blue basil or Ocimum kilimandscharicum x basilicum has striking green and lavender foliage and vibrant purple flowers. You can cultivate it in your herb garden for a pop of color or to enjoy fresh herbs in your recipes. Simply chop or mince these basil leaves and add them to olive oil to flavor pasta and salads.

When cultivating African blue basil, place it where it will receive six hours of sunlight daily. While it tolerates occasional dryness in the soil, it will grow best if you keep it moist. Remember that this is a hybrid cultivar, so it doesn't produce seeds. Instead, purchase plants at a garden center. Alternatively, you can propagate it by placing cuttings in water to form roots before planting in soil.

Beautiful Basil

Basil is an outstanding addition to any herb garden. With a selection of fragrant and flavorful varieties like sweet basil, holy basil, 'Pesto Perpetuo,' and African blue basil, you will likely find the right fit for your garden. To make your choice easier, cultivate a variety you can easily use in your favorite recipes!

Have you had success growing basil in your herb garden before? Share which varieties worked best for you in the comments below!