Use next to garden paths for outdoor fragrance, in potpourri and scented wreaths for indoor fragrance. Edge ornamental gardens or interplant in flower borders. Basil is a fragrant addition to fresh bouquets. Use medicinal for soothing herb bath. Limited varieties of seeds and plants are available in local nurseries.
More varieties are available from catalogs and herb speciality nurseries.
It thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil, intercropped with vegetables, as borders, or intermingled in flower beds, or in pots. Requires at least six hours of sun daily. It can be grown potted indoors in a sunny location year round. Basil can tolerate some water rationing, especially once the plant is established. The plant may be a bit smaller and tougher, and may go to seed earlier.