basil, (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves. Basil is likely native to India and is widely grown as a kitchen herb.
What is basil related to?
Basil is called by many names like sweet basil or even Thai basil, but all of its common names refer to the herb’s botanical name, Ocimum basilicum. Basil is a member of the large mint family, or Lamiaceae family, along with other culinary herbs like rosemary, sage, and even lavender.
What is basil a companion to?
Summing Up Basil Companion Planting
There are many different basil companion plants. Some of the best include marigolds, potatoes, cilantro, root vegetables, borage, oregano, and parsley. These plants all have different benefits that can help your basil plants to thrive.
Is basil part of the grass family?
Basil is the common name of an aromatic, herbaceous plant, Ocimum basilicum, of the mint family Lamiaceae.
Are basil and peppermint related?
Basil (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, is a member of the mint family, which makes it related to peppermint.
What bugs do basil repel?
Basil also acts as a good insect repellent for flies and mosquitoes. Very useful using fresh leaves rubbed on the skin. Eucalyptol. According to research conducted by Kansas State University, this compound is effective in eliminating bugs from the kitchen and repelling cockroaches and weevils.
Is basil related to Clove?
Ocimum gratissimum, also known as clove basil, African basil, and in Hawaii as wild basil, is a species of Ocimum.
Ocimum gratissimum.
| African basil | |
|---|---|
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Ocimum |
| Species: | O. gratissimum |
What grows best next to basil?
The following plants are beneficial to grow together with the basil to encourage their growth.
- Asparagus. Growing asparagus, along with basil, attracts ladybugs that work on preventing aphids and other pests.
- Borage.
- Chives, Oregano, and Chamomile.
- Marigolds.
- Peppers.
- Root Vegetables.
- Tomatoes.
Can basil and lavender be planted together?
Plants that are particularly good companion plants for lavender include: 1. Herbs: Basil and oregano increase the vitality and growth of nearby lavender plants by repelling aphids and various species of flies.
Can I plant basil with tomatoes?
In the ground, plant basil and tomatoes about 15-20” apart. They’re also easy to plant together since they both have similar needs. Tomatoes and basil require similar amounts of water, and they both love the sun, though basil enjoys some shade also, which the tomato plants can provide for them.
What pests does basil attract?
The most common pests of basil are Japanese beetles, slugs and aphids. Japanese beetles are usually present for about a month in the summer. They skeletonize the foliage (i.e., eat the leaf blades, but do not consume the larger veins of the leaves).
What attracts basil?
Basil Attracts Beneficial Insects
Another reason for letting your basil go to flower (besides beauty) is that the blossoms attract beneficial insects and pollinators that you want to have in your garden. Bees and butterflies especially love basil flowers!
What does basil symbolize?
Basil is one tasty little plant, but it’s suffered a symbolism identity crisis over the years. Originally meaning “hate,” it later became embraced as a symbol of love. During the Victorian era Sweet Basil conveyed “good wishes” to the receiver. In Italy, a man who accepted basil from a woman was destined to marry her.
Are basil and thyme related?
Thyme, Defined (& How to Cook With It)
Thyme, or Thymus vulgaris, is an herb originally from the Mediterranean region that’s in the same family as oregano, basil, mint, and shiso. It comprises small, rounded green leaves that grow in clusters on woody stems.
Are basil and sage related?
It is astounding that so many of our most popular and valuable herbs – including what I would consider the majority of the finest culinary herbs – are in the mint family. They include basil, thyme, lavender, lemon balm, oregano, sweet marjoram, rosemary, sage, savory, summer savory, anise hyssop, and germander.
What family is basil in?
basil, (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves.
Is basil toxic to dogs?
“Most herbs are toxic to dogs and cats, except for basil,” said George Pisegna, deputy director chief of horticulture at the Horticultural Society of New York. “If your cat chews on basil it’s probably because they really like it.
What eats basil at night?
Slugs and snails also tend to eat basil at night. If you notice a lot of the leaf damage is happening over night, it’s a strong sign that it’s a slug or snail snacking on that precious basil leaf.
Does basil keep spiders away?
Basil. Basil is great at repelling spiders, as well as other bugs such as ants, houseflies and mosquitoes. It might be a popular culinary herb, but its fragrant scent will keep the creepy crawlies at bay. Simply get your hands on a few basil pots and place them around entry points in the home.
Can you overdose on basil?
When taken by mouth: Basil is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts. When taken by mouth as a medicine, basil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil herb and basil oil contain estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
Why does my basil smell like cinnamon?
Why Does Basil Smell Like Cinnamon? Basil smelling like cinnamon is normal. The chemical compound attributable to the cinnamon smell of certain basil varieties is methyl cinnamate. Methyl cinnamate is a white/transparent solid chemical substance which produces a strong, aromatic odor.