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Greek basil
Ocimum obovatum
Greek basil is a multi-stemmed perennial that's often used as a low-growing ground cover. It produces mauve or white frilly flowers that attract a number of pollinators and butterflies. It's considered a "pyrophyte" - a species that's well adapted to fire and often appears after the grass has been burnt.
Planting Time
Spring
Key Facts About Greek basil
Feedback
Attributes of Greek basil
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Planting Time
Spring
Plant Height
30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
6 cm
Flower Color
White
Purple
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
15 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Greek basil
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Distribution of Greek basil
Feedback
Habitat of Greek basil
Grassland
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere
Distribution Map of Greek basil
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
More Info on Greek Basil Growth and Care
Feedback
Basic Care Guide
Common Pests & Diseases
Lighting
Full sun
For the healthy growth of greek basil, it thrives when exposed to full-beam solar rays throughout the day. Originating from a region with ample sunshine, greek basil indeed favours such conditions. However, too much of it can lead to the wilting of leaves, while too little can severely impede growth and leaf production.
Best Sunlight Practices 
Transplant
15-18 inches
The prime time to transplant greek basil spans from the awakening of early spring to the cusp of summer, ensuring rooted stability and growth. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and during the transition, gently nurture greek basil's roots to encourage successful establishment.
Transplant Techniques 
Temperature
-5 - 43 ℃
Recognizing greek basil's intrinsic need for warmth, its preferred temperature spectrum lies between 59 to 100 °F (15 to 38 ℃). For a healthier plant, monitor and regulate temperature throughout the changing seasons.
Temp for Healthy Growth 
Pruning
Spring, Summer
This aromatic herb, known for its compact growth and flavorful leaves, thrives when properly maintained. Key pruning techniques include regular pinching of the tips to encourage bushier growth and removal of any flowering stems to promote leaf production. Optimal pruning should be done in Spring and Summer, aligning with the plant's active growth phases. Pruning not only shapes greek basil but also enhances its vigor and yield, essential considerations for gardeners seeking a healthy, productive herb garden.
Pruning techniques 
Propagation
Spring
Greek basil is best propagated by sowing seeds directly in well-draining soil with ample sunlight. Prepare a seedbed by loosening the soil and adding organic matter. Lightly cover the seeds, as they need light for germination, and maintain a consistent level of moisture without waterlogging. Thin out the seedlings once they've grown, ensuring proper spacing to promote airflow and reduce competition for nutrients. For optimal growth, protect young plants from extreme conditions and pests.
Propagation Techniques Non-base branch withering
Non-base branch withering is a disease affecting Greek basil, leading to branch dieback and potential plant death. It impairs photosynthesis and disrupts nutrient transport, hindering plant growth and development.
Read More
Flower withering
Flower withering is a detrimental disease affecting Greek basil, causing drooping and discoloration, ultimately leading to potential death of the plant. Factors such as fungal infections and inappropriate care may put the plant at risk.
Read More
Mealybug
Mealybug is a pest that infests and damages Greek basil by sucking sap from its stems and leaves, leading to stunted growth and a decline in overall plant health. The pest is more prevalent in warm, humid conditions.
Read More
Notch
Notch is a disease that causes characteristic indentations on the leaves of Greek basil, leading to reduced plant vigor and compromised aesthetics. It commonly arises due to environmental stress factors and pests.
Read More
Spots
Spots disease in Greek basil is a common affliction that results in discolored lesions on leaves and stems, potentially decreasing plant vigor and aesthetic value.
Read More
Whole leaf withering
Whole leaf withering is a problematic disease that significantly impacts the growth, aesthetics, and productivity of Greek basil. It causes entire leaves to shrivel and dry, induces poor growth, and can result in decreased yield and plant death if left untreated.
Read More
Branch withering
Branch withering impacts Greek basil leading to compromised vitality and potential plant death. It causes withering of branches, reduced growth, and can affect the entire plant.
Read More
Whole plant withering
Whole plant withering is a severe condition affecting Greek basil, characterized by the rapid decline and death of the plant. This disease can cause significant yield loss and may spread to nearby plants.
Read More
Leaf wilting
Leaf wilting is a common plant disease that has a profound effect on Greek basil causing loss in vitality and productivity. It primarily results from a deficiency of water, improper light, or diseases like Fusarium wilt, which interrupts the plant's vascular system and impedes nutrient transportation.
Read More
Flower wilting
Flower wilting in Greek basil is a common disease leading to reduced flowering and ultimately motility loss. Caused by environmental stress, pathogens, and improper watering, it significantly reduces the plant's aesthetic and medicinal value if left untreated.
Read More
Dark spots
Dark spots on Greek basil result from fungal or bacterial infections, causing unsightly lesions and potentially hindering growth. This widespread issue can reduce the aesthetic and health quality of the herb.
Read More
Wounds
Wounds in Greek basil refer to physical damage that can lead to secondary infections, thus affecting plant health and growth. Prompt management is imperative to mitigate its impact.
Read More
Leaf yellowing
Leaf yellowing in Greek basil is a common condition affecting its vitality and aroma potency. The disease may signify nutrient deficiencies or pathogen infections, leading to reduced growth and potential plant death.
Read More
Yellow edges
Yellow edges is a disease that causes characteristic discoloration and potential harm to Greek basil's vitality. It can lead to growth hindrance and weaken the plant's overall health.
Read More
Leaf white mold
Leaf white mold is a fungal disease that affects Greek basil, causing symptoms such as white, cottony growth on leaves and potential plant death if untreated.
Read More
Black mold
Black mold, caused by the fungal pathogen 'Cladosporium', is a disease affecting Greek basil, leading to leaf discoloration, stunted growth, and potential death if untreated.
Read More
Dark blotch
Dark blotch is a fungal disease inducing spotty lesions and discolorations on Greek basil's foliage. It impacts photosynthesis and overall health, possibly leading to plant death if left untreated.
Read More
Leaf rot
Leaf rot is a prevalent disease that severely affects the health of Greek basil, leading to significant losses. This disease can cause wilting, discoloration, and rapid death of the plant if not managed on time, resulting in impaired flavor and aroma, which are critical for its purpose in culinary use.
Read More
Leaf tip withering
Leaf tip withering is a disease affecting Greek basil, leading to shriveled leaf tips, impaired growth, and reduced yield. Optimal conditions for infection are often specific and conducive to the disease's spread.
Read More
Leaf drooping
Leaf drooping in Greek basil is a condition resulting in the downward hanging of leaves, indicating potential distress or disease. It affects the plant's health and aesthetic, and can lead to reduced growth and vitality.
Read More
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About
More Info
Distribution
More About How-Tos
Greek basil
Ocimum obovatum
Greek basil is a multi-stemmed perennial that's often used as a low-growing ground cover. It produces mauve or white frilly flowers that attract a number of pollinators and butterflies. It's considered a "pyrophyte" - a species that's well adapted to fire and often appears after the grass has been burnt.
Planting Time
Spring
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Key Facts About Greek basil
Feedback
Attributes of Greek basil
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Planting Time
Spring
Plant Height
30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
6 cm
Flower Color
White
Purple
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
15 - 38 ℃
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Scientific Classification of Greek basil
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Distribution of Greek basil
Feedback
Habitat of Greek basil
Grassland
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere
Distribution Map of Greek basil
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
More Info on Greek Basil Growth and Care
Basic Care Guide
Common Pests & Diseases
Lighting ![Lighting detail]()
Full sun
Transplant ![Transplant detail]()
15-18 inches
Temperature ![Temperature detail]()
-5 - 43 ℃
Pruning ![Pruning detail]()
Spring, Summer
Propagation ![Propagation detail]()
Spring
Non-base branch withering
Non-base branch withering is a disease affecting Greek basil, leading to branch dieback and potential plant death. It impairs photosynthesis and disrupts nutrient transport, hindering plant growth and development.
Flower withering
Flower withering is a detrimental disease affecting Greek basil, causing drooping and discoloration, ultimately leading to potential death of the plant. Factors such as fungal infections and inappropriate care may put the plant at risk.
Mealybug
Mealybug is a pest that infests and damages Greek basil by sucking sap from its stems and leaves, leading to stunted growth and a decline in overall plant health. The pest is more prevalent in warm, humid conditions.
Notch
Notch is a disease that causes characteristic indentations on the leaves of Greek basil, leading to reduced plant vigor and compromised aesthetics. It commonly arises due to environmental stress factors and pests.
Spots
Spots disease in Greek basil is a common affliction that results in discolored lesions on leaves and stems, potentially decreasing plant vigor and aesthetic value.
Whole leaf withering
Whole leaf withering is a problematic disease that significantly impacts the growth, aesthetics, and productivity of Greek basil. It causes entire leaves to shrivel and dry, induces poor growth, and can result in decreased yield and plant death if left untreated.
Branch withering
Branch withering impacts Greek basil leading to compromised vitality and potential plant death. It causes withering of branches, reduced growth, and can affect the entire plant.
Whole plant withering
Whole plant withering is a severe condition affecting Greek basil, characterized by the rapid decline and death of the plant. This disease can cause significant yield loss and may spread to nearby plants.
Leaf wilting
Leaf wilting is a common plant disease that has a profound effect on Greek basil causing loss in vitality and productivity. It primarily results from a deficiency of water, improper light, or diseases like Fusarium wilt, which interrupts the plant's vascular system and impedes nutrient transportation.
Flower wilting
Flower wilting in Greek basil is a common disease leading to reduced flowering and ultimately motility loss. Caused by environmental stress, pathogens, and improper watering, it significantly reduces the plant's aesthetic and medicinal value if left untreated.
Dark spots
Dark spots on Greek basil result from fungal or bacterial infections, causing unsightly lesions and potentially hindering growth. This widespread issue can reduce the aesthetic and health quality of the herb.
Wounds
Wounds in Greek basil refer to physical damage that can lead to secondary infections, thus affecting plant health and growth. Prompt management is imperative to mitigate its impact.
Leaf yellowing
Leaf yellowing in Greek basil is a common condition affecting its vitality and aroma potency. The disease may signify nutrient deficiencies or pathogen infections, leading to reduced growth and potential plant death.
Yellow edges
Yellow edges is a disease that causes characteristic discoloration and potential harm to Greek basil's vitality. It can lead to growth hindrance and weaken the plant's overall health.
Leaf white mold
Leaf white mold is a fungal disease that affects Greek basil, causing symptoms such as white, cottony growth on leaves and potential plant death if untreated.
Black mold
Black mold, caused by the fungal pathogen 'Cladosporium', is a disease affecting Greek basil, leading to leaf discoloration, stunted growth, and potential death if untreated.
Dark blotch
Dark blotch is a fungal disease inducing spotty lesions and discolorations on Greek basil's foliage. It impacts photosynthesis and overall health, possibly leading to plant death if left untreated.
Leaf rot
Leaf rot is a prevalent disease that severely affects the health of Greek basil, leading to significant losses. This disease can cause wilting, discoloration, and rapid death of the plant if not managed on time, resulting in impaired flavor and aroma, which are critical for its purpose in culinary use.
Leaf tip withering
Leaf tip withering is a disease affecting Greek basil, leading to shriveled leaf tips, impaired growth, and reduced yield. Optimal conditions for infection are often specific and conducive to the disease's spread.
Leaf drooping
Leaf drooping in Greek basil is a condition resulting in the downward hanging of leaves, indicating potential distress or disease. It affects the plant's health and aesthetic, and can lead to reduced growth and vitality.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Lighting
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips. Requirements
Full sun
Ideal
Above 6 hours sunlight
Partial sun
Tolerance
About 3-6 hours sunlight
Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness. Essentials
For the healthy growth of greek basil, it thrives when exposed to full-beam solar rays throughout the day. Originating from a region with ample sunshine, greek basil indeed favours such conditions. However, too much of it can lead to the wilting of leaves, while too little can severely impede growth and leaf production.
Preferred
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Artificial lighting
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
View more
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
Discover information about plant diseases, toxicity, weed control and more.
Temperature
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips. Requirements
Ideal
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care. Essentials
Recognizing greek basil's intrinsic need for warmth, its preferred temperature spectrum lies between 59 to 100 °F (15 to 38 ℃). For a healthier plant, monitor and regulate temperature throughout the changing seasons.
Regional wintering strategies
Discover information about plant diseases, toxicity, weed control and more.
