Basil Varieties

Name              Characteristics                 Flavor                     Height                         Uses

Cinnamon	Purple flowers, stems, and veins	Slight cinnamon smell and flavor	18-30” tall	Teas, containers, flower bouquets
Spicy Globe	Small leaves, white flowers	Spicy	Compact bush 8-14”	Pesto, garnish, containers
Sweet Basil	Most common and popular	Classic basil taste	18” tall	Salads, pesto, Italian dishes
Mammoth	Huge leaves, similar to lettuce leaf basil	Similar to sweet basil	18-24” tall	“Lettuce” wraps, Italian dishes
Lettuce Basil	White flowers, leaves are 4” wide and 10” long	Mild basil flavor	12-16” tall	“Lettuce” wraps, pesto
Red Rubin	Purple flowers and leaves	Spicier than sweet basil	18-24” tall	Pesto, salads, containers
Purple Ball	Purple leaves and flowers	Similar to sweet	Compact bush	Containers
Genovese Basil	White flowers	Spicer and stronger taste than sweet basil	24-30” tall	Pesto, Italian dishes
Thai Basil	Purple Flowers, green leaves, purple stems	Spicy anise/licorice /clover taste	15-24” tall	Soups, stir fries, curries, and pho
Blue Spice Basil	Light purple/blue flowers, spicy vanilla scent	Vanilla	20” tall	Bouquets, dried, potpourri, fruit salads
Lime Basil	White flowers	Citrusy lime	24”	Fruit salads, vinegars
Lemon Basil	White flowers	Citrusy lemon	18-24” tall	Salads, vinegars, pesto, tomato dishes

Note: if using basil culinarily you do not want basil to bloom. If you allow it to flower it will attract beneficial insects and pollinators.