It is fairly drought tolerant. The entire above ground portion is harvested while in the bud stage. Its component artemisian is being studied as an anti-malarial. There are quite a number of excellent varieties, some of which follow. Most basils are easily grown annuals, with a few exceptions being tender perennials, and one notable exception of propagation being the African Blue basil which can only be propagated by cutting.
All basils require full sun and good garden soil and warm temperatures.
In Zone 5 it is best to wait until June 1st before planting seedlings. An organic liquid fertilizer should be applied once every two weeks. Basils should be pinched back often during the growing season to ensure a steady supply of leaves and to prevent any premature flowering. Once they have flowered, the chemistry of the plant changes and the taste and aroma is not as desirable and the plant begins to get tough and woody. Late in the season allow them to go to seed if new seed for the next year's crop is desired.