Heirloom and Hybrid Basil

Apr 21, 2025, 12:43 PM

Types of Basil

Commonly used in many Asian and Italian recipes, basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a world-famous herb primarily cultivated for its aromatic leaves. Surprisingly, both its flowers and stems carry flavor that goes well in sauces, stews, and stir-fries. Technically, basil (also known as great basil) has an annual lifecycle. However, you can plant basil at home as a perennial or biennial plant, especially hotter hardiness zones.

In the United States, the term "basil" may refer to sweet or Genovese varieties. These are common in most grocery stores and farmers markets where the leaves are frozen and packed.

Get to know the different basil varieties from our extensive list — all of which you can grow from your home garden.

Common Basil Types

Numerous basil varieties are available in seed markets. This culinary herb from the Lamiaceae or mint family provides a unique aroma and flavor, depending on the variety. If you live in the South, growing basil can be effortless because it can resist warm temperatures even in summer.

Before we introduce you to the basil varieties, let's first differentiate their heirloom and hybrid categories.

Heirloom and Hybrid Basil

Genovese, Italian Large Leaf, Lemon, and Thai are some of the most popular heirloom varieties. To be considered heirloom, a variety should be free from any crossbreeding for at least 40 to 50 years. This type is popular for seed saving as you get the same traits of the parent plant. Across the globe, countless ethnic, familial, and social groups traditionally maintain these heirloom varieties as true to seed, being passed down from one generation to the next. In some cases, private institutions like seed companies and universities, maintain the heirloom variety.

Hybrid basil varieties come with some improvements. Agriculturists can manually and deliberately crossbreed two basil varieties, resulting in a hybrid. Favorable traits from both parents can be imbued to the seed, and thus, improvements on flavor, growth, and yield are possible. Additionally, hybrid plants can be made more resistant to diseases and pests.

Because of these advantages, large-scale farmers tend to opt for hybrid varieties.

Other Popular Basil Groupings

Discover other basil varieties grouped by distinct traits below.

Types of Basil Leaf Colors

Basil leaves come in two primary colors. Although basil varieties with bright green leaves are common, other varieties have purple leaves.

Basil Leaf Colors	Common Examples (Where to Buy)
Green Basil Leaves	Genovese (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Holy Basil Green Leaf (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Profumo (Territorial Seed Company) Sweet Basil (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Thai Basil (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market)
Purple Basil Leaves	Persian (Rare Seeds) Purple (Eden Brothers) Purple Dark Opal (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Red Rubin (True Leaf Market) Rosie (Territorial Seed Company)

Types of Basil Leaf Sizes

Some basil varieties yield larger and more ruffled leaves.

Basil Leaf Sizes	Common Examples (Where to Buy)
Large-/Lettuce-Leaf Basils	Emily (Territorial Seed Company) Evi (Territorial Seed Company) Lettuce Leaf (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Mammoth or Mammoth Sweet (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company) Prospera (Territorial Seed Company)
Small-Leaf Basils	Spicy Globe (True Leaf Market) Dwarf Greek (True Leaf Market)

Types of Basil Leaf Sizes

Basil has been used in countless dishes due to its diverse flavors that vary depending on the variety.

Basil Flavors	Common Examples (Where to Buy)
Pungent and Spicy Basils	Holy Basil Green Leaf (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Cinnamon (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Purple Ruffles (True Leaf Market) Red Leaf Holy Basil (True Leaf Market) Red Rubin (True Leaf Market)
Savory Basils	Genovese (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market)
Sweet Basils	Corsican (True Leaf Market) Dwarf Greek (True Leaf Market) Licorice (True Leaf Market) Thai Basil (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Thai Sweet Large Leaf (True Leaf Market)
Tangy Basils	Lemon (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Lime (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds)

Types of Basil Scents

Adding freshness and bite to your meals, the bold aroma of basil can also stimulate your senses. Some basil varieties, such as lime basil, have been widely used in aromatherapy.

Basil Scents	Common Examples (Where to Buy)
Citrus-Scented Basils	Italian Large Leaf (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Lemon (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Lime (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Sweet Dani (True Leaf Market)
Sweet-Scented Basils	Anise (True Leaf Market) Lettuce Leaf (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Licorice (True Leaf Market) Purple Dark Opal (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Thai Basil (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market)
Peppery- and Spicy-Scented Basils	Cinnamon (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Clove Scented (True Leaf Market) Purple Ruffles (True Leaf Market) Spicy Globe (True Leaf Market)

Types of Basil Lifecycles

Botanically, the basil plant is an annual herb, but it can be grown as a perennial under ideal conditions.

Basil Lifecycles	Common Examples (Where to Buy)
Annual Basils	Genovese (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Holy Basil Green Leaf (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Italian Large Leaf (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Persian (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Red Rubin (True Leaf Market)
Perennial Basils (usually grown as annual in the U.S.)	Purple Dark Opal (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Lemon (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Licorice (True Leaf Market) Purple Ruffles (True Leaf Market) Sweet Dani (True Leaf Market)

Types of Geographic Origins

believe that basil originated in regions of Asia and Africa. It later reached Europe during the 16th century and America in the 17th century.

Geographic Origins	Common Examples (Where to Buy)
European/Mediterranean Basils	Mammoth or Mammoth Sweet (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company) Genovese (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market)
North American Basils	Cinnamon (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Purple Dark Opal (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds)
Asian Basils	Chinese Sweet (Rare Seeds) Holy Basil Green Leaf (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Lemon (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Lime (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Siam Queen Thai (Eden Brothers, Rare Seeds)

Types of Culinary Uses

Basil is an essential ingredient in Mediterranean and Southeast Asian countries. Different varieties can provide many different aromas and flavors.

Culinary Uses	Common Examples (Where to Buy)
Basils for Raw Applications	Fino Verde (True Leaf Market) Licorice (True Leaf Market) Purple Ruffles (True Leaf Market) Red Rubin (True Leaf Market) Sweet Dani (True Leaf Market)
Basils for Soups/Stews	Holy Basil Green Leaf (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Lemon (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Minette Compact Greek (Eden Brothers) Spicy Globe (True Leaf Market) Thai Basil (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market)
Basils for Sautéing/Stir-fry	Anise (True Leaf Market) Italian Large Leaf (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Persian (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Red Leaf Holy Basil (True Leaf Market)
Basils for Tea	Aroma II (Territorial Seed Company) Clove Scented (True Leaf Market) Profumo (Territorial Seed Company) Rosie (Territorial Seed Company) Sacred (True Leaf Market)

Types of Disease Resistance

When growing basil at home, watch for signs and symptoms of bacterial leaf spot, downy mildew, and Fusarium wilt. Some varieties of basil are more resistant to these diseases than others.

Disease Resistance	Common Examples (Where to Buy)
Disease Resistant Basils	Aroma II (Territorial Seed Company) Emily (Territorial Seed Company) Everleaf Emerald Towers (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company) Evi (Territorial Seed Company) Profumo (Territorial Seed Company) Prospera (Territorial Seed Company)
Susceptible Basils	Genovese (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market)

Types of Preferred Growing Conditions

Basil can be grown in small garden beds or in containers along your patio. Whatever your garden needs, there's a large range of choices in basil varieties. As a tropical herb, basil thrives in well-drained soil with adequate sun exposure.

Popular Varieties of Genovese or Sweet Basils

Perhaps the most familiar basil type, Genovese basil is common in many grocery stores. Leaves from this basil type offer a strong aroma and flavor that go well in Italian cuisine. If you're looking for a classic option, look no further. Genovese are traditionally used in salads, pastas, pesto, and pizzas. Other name for Genovese include Italian basil, and sweet basil.

Variety	Description	Mature Height	Days to Maturity	Where to Buy
Aroma II	Aroma II is an improved Genovese-type basil variety with intermediate resistance to Fusarium wilt. Apart from its culinary uses, the basil leaves can be steeped into a tea.	20 to 24 inches	70 to 75 days	Territorial Seed Company
Dolce Fresca	In 2015, the Dolce Fresca variety won an All-America Selections award for its compact shape and resilient growth. It works as an ornamental plant too, efficiently growing leaves after harvest to maintain its eye-catching shape. Unlike other basil varieties, Dolce Fresca can tolerate drought.	10 to 14 inches	70 to 75 days	Territorial Seed Company
Emily	Known for its rapid regrowth, Emily grows in a compact plant structure, perfect for container planting. Its basil leaves give off a sweet aroma, which can be enjoyed in teas. Emily boasts intermediate resistance to Fusarium wilt.	12 to 18 inches	60 to 70 days	Territorial Seed Company
Everleaf Emerald Towers	Resistant or impervious to downy mildew and Fusarium wilt, Everlead Emerald Towers yield robust-flavored basil leaves in a columnar plant structure. This variety can be grown in a container or in a field.	24 to 36 inches	45 to 60 days	Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company
Genovese	The common Genovese basil variety offers savory flavors suitable for making pesto.	24 to 36 inches	36 to 41 days	Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market
Prospera	This large-leaf basil can be grown in a container, field, or greenhouse. It is an adaptable, Genovese-type basil with resistance to both downy mildew and Fusarium wilt.	10 inches	70 to 75 days	Territorial Seed Company

Popular Varieties of Holy Basils

Holy Basil or Tulsi has a prominent role in Indian and Thai cuisine and culture. Apart from its great culinary uses, Holy Basil varieties are cultivated for their medicinal properties. In the Hindu religion, it is revered as an avatar of the goddess Lakshmi.

Variety	Description	Mature Height	Days to Maturity	Where to Buy
Holy Basil Green Leaf	In summer, Holy Basil Green Leaf produces purple flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. Leaves from this medicinal herb can be prepared for drying or used fresh in teas.	24 to 36 inches	65 to 75 days	Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market
Red Leaf Holy Basil	This heirloom basil variety shares attributes with its green counterpart—though its leaves have a purple tinge. Additionally, Red Leag Holy Basil has uniquely purple stems.	24 to 36 inches	65 to 75 days	True Leaf Market

Popular Varieties of Thai Basils

With flavors similar to anise and licorice, Thai basil leaves can withstand hot temperatures during cooking. Thai varieties are an excellent option for stir-fry.

Variety	Description	Mature Height	Days to Maturity	Where to Buy
Siam Queen Thai	Another All-America Selections awardee, the Siam Queen Thai basil variety has a licorice spice with late-flowering growth, leading to a greater herb harvest. In terms of width, it can reach up to 2 feet. The spicy flavor from this variety work deliciously in meat dishes.	24 to 30 inches	75 to 80 days	Eden Brothers, Rare Seeds
Thai Basil	Expect less wilting when cooking Thai basils. Have the leaves in soups, stews, or stir-fries for a warmer kick. This variety is less susceptible to downy mildew.	14 to 18 inches	60 to 90 days	Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market

Other Varieties of Basil

The basil plant is particularly tricky to categorize by type because cross-breeding between varieties can occur easily. We've listed more notable basil varieties you should consider before planting in your herb garden.

Variety	Description	Mature Height	Days to Maturity	Where to Buy
Blue Spice	Usually cultivated as an ornamental plant, the Blue Spice or African Blue Spice basil variety is a fast-growing annual with a unique vanilla-like fragrance. It produces beautiful, purple flowers that enhance your vegetable garden's color.	18 to 20 inches	70 to 90 days	Eden Brothers
Cinnamon	Cinnamon basil can be used for making warm herbal tea or applied fresh as garnish in meals. The aromatic green leaves can reach up to 2 inches long.	18 to 30 inches	60 to 90 days	True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds
Clove Scented	With an aroma similar to clove and mint, Clove Scented is suitable for container planting. This heirloom variety can be harvested as a microgreen.	18 to 24 inches	80 to 85 days	True Leaf Market
Dwarf Greek	Considered one of the oldest and smallest varieties of basil, Dwarf Greek basil can thrive in tight patio or porch containers. Its green, small leaves can be used in Italian and Mediterranean recipes.	6 to 10 inches	65 to 75 days	True Leaf Market
Lemon	Lemon basil is a Southeast Asian herb staple, bringing in bright, citrus flavor in Indian, and Indonesian cuisines. This variety grows small white flowers.	24 to 36 inches	60 to 90 days	True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds

FAQ About Types of Basil

How many basil cultivars or varieties are there?

Basil is part of the Ocimum genus / Lamiaceae family. According to researchers, there are over 160 species of true basil.

Which basil type is the most common?

Among different types of basil, sweet basils, also known as Genovese basisl, are the most common types cultivated for commercial selling. They have versatile culinary uses with their leaves used in pesto, salads, sauces, and soups. Varieties of sweet basil include Aroma II, Emily, common Genovese, and Prospera.

Originally published on Types of Basil

Source: Types of Basil

Preferred Growing Conditions	Common Examples (Where to Buy)
Greenhouse Basils	Dwarf Greek (True Leaf Market) Genovese (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Mammolo (Rare Seeds) Purple Dark Opal (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Sweet Basil (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market)
Field Basils	Evi (Territorial Seed Company) Prospera (Territorial Seed Company)
Container Basils	Lemon (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Holy Basil Green Leaf (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Purple Ruffles (True Leaf Market) Thai Basil (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Try Basil Simplyherbs (Territorial Seed Company)

Preferred Growing Conditions	Common Examples (Where to Buy)
Greenhouse Basils	Dwarf Greek (True Leaf Market) Genovese (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Mammolo (Rare Seeds) Purple Dark Opal (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Sweet Basil (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market)
Field Basils	Evi (Territorial Seed Company) Prospera (Territorial Seed Company)
Container Basils	Lemon (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Holy Basil Green Leaf (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Purple Ruffles (True Leaf Market) Thai Basil (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Try Basil Simplyherbs (Territorial Seed Company)

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