Search Plants
Try for Free
About
Basic Care Guide
Advanced Care
Key Facts
Types
Similar Plants
How to Care Ocimum
How to Care Ocimum , Growing Ocimum , Caring for Ocimum
Ocimum has basic care needs that correspond to moderate light, ample water, warm temperatures, and richly organic well-drained soil. Challenges include pests like aphids and whiteflies, fungal diseases, and sensitivity to cold, draughts, and waterlogged soil. Seasonal care involves more watering and sunlight in summer, protection from cold in winter, and periodic pruning after flowering for continued growth. These perennial herbs need a careful balance between water, light, and soil nutrition for optimum yield.
Watering Frequency
Every week
Sunlight
Full sun
Basic Care Guide
Feedback
How to Water Ocimum ?
Watering Frequency: Every week
Thriving in its native tropical habitat, ocimum is accustomed to consistent moisture and high humidity. This species exhibits a preference for evenly moist soil conditions, showing moderate drought tolerance. Watering should be done every week to maintain the desired moisture level. As an herb commonly grown indoors, ocimum benefits significantly from regular misting to replicate its humid origins, promoting lush foliage and robust growth.
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Ocimum ?
Ideal Lighting: Full sun
Ocimum thrives in warm, tropical regions, best emulating its native habitat. Optimal lighting for ocimum includes full sun exposure, with a preference for 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate light intensity is crucial for vigorous growth and essential oil production, influencing photosynthetic activity and flowering patterns. In non-native regions, these conditions can be met by placing ocimum in south-facing areas or using grow lights indoors, ensuring proper light quality and duration to mimic its preferred environment for sustained health.
Advanced Care Guide
Feedback
How to Propagate Ocimum ?
Propagating ocimum typically involves seed sowing or stem cuttings. Seeds require a warm temperature (around 70°F), well-draining soil, and consistent moisture for germination. Stem cuttings favor high humidity and warmth. Difficulty level is moderate, with challenges in maintaining suitable conditions for germination and rooting.
Steps:
- Collect seeds or cuttings;
- Sow seeds in moist soil or place cuttings in water/soil;
- Provide proper light and temperature;
- Transplant seedlings or rooted cuttings to individual pots;
- Acclimate to outdoor conditions if necessary.
How to Plant Ocimum ?
The ocimum genus thrives in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. They need full sun to part shade and regular watering to avoid wilting. Start by loosening the soil, amending with compost if needed, and plant seeds or transplants after the risk of frost. Space plants according to the specific species' recommended distance. Water them thoroughly after planting. Stake taller varieties to support growth. Note that specific species might have unique planting requirements.
Key Facts About Ocimum
Feedback
Attributes of Ocimum
Sunlight
Full sun
Tolerance Lighting
Partial sun
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Soil
Loam, Sandy loam
Soil ph
6-7.5
Plant Type
Herb
Scientific Classification of Ocimum
More Info About Ocimum
Types of Ocimum
Feedback
Common basil 'African Blue'
Common basil 'African Blue' is a cross between camphor basil and dark oval basil. It is a sterile basil that cannot produce seeds of its own. The leaves start out purple and change to green over time. Long purple stems produce dark purple buds that open into lavender flowers. Common basil 'African Blue' is named for its purplish-blue color and African parentage.
Sweet basil 'Thai'
Sweet basil 'Thai' is a popular basil. This basil has narrow, dark green leaves with purple veins. The purple stems bloom purple flowers. Sweet basil 'Thai' has a fragrance that is pleasant and sweet, and a flavor reminiscent of anise, licorice, and clove.
Bush basil
Bush basil is a more compact basil variety, which makes it ideal for growing in small pots and incorporating into recipes. It is great for lighting up windowsills as it has lovely small white flowers that burst out of the stems.
Holy basil
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a fragrant herb that’s indigenous to India. It’s a popular ingredient in Thai cuisine. When used for this purpose, it’s called Thai holy basil. Adherents of the Vaishnava strain of Hinduism use it in religious ceremonies. Holistic practitioners worldwide place immense value on the aromatic essential oil derived from the plant.
African basil
African basil (Ocimum gratissimum) has an accurate name since it is a member of the basil family native to Africa, although you'll now find it in many tropical and subtropical climates as an introduced species. This aromatic herb is used in cooking to flavor foods. It is also grown commercially because it's widely used as an essential oil.
Sweet basil 'Cinnamon'
Sweet basil 'Cinnamon' has a spicy flavor and a fragrance reminiscent of incense. The foliage is serrated and dark green with purple veins. As lovely as it is flavorful, sweet basil 'Cinnamon' has purple stems that bloom white and pink flowers throughout the summer.
Wild basil
Ocimum americanum, known as American basil or "hoary basil", is an annual herb with white or lavender flowers. It is used for medicinal purposes. Despite the misleading name, it is native to Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, China, Southeast Asia. The species is naturalized in Queensland, Christmas Island, and parts of tropical America.
Spicy globe basil
Spicy globe basil has ornamental and edible appeal since its fragrant leaves form an attractively rounded globe shape, and have a pleasant flavor that is spicier than most basils. This basil can be harvested continuously during the summer and will continue to grow. Its leaves taste best when fresh.
More Similar Plants
Feedback
Ocimum
Ocimum are a group of strongly aromatic, and often flavorful, herbs and shrubs. Many species within the genus are of tremendous culinary importance. Some species are used as herbs, and others are used as teas. Ocimum have such an influence all over the world that many cultures consider these species to be sacred and use them in religious rituals.
Tetradenia
Tetradenia is native to Africa, including Madagascar.
Rostrinucula
Rostrinucula is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. It has two known species, both endemic to China.
Sphenodesme
Sphenodesme is native to southern China, the Indian Subcontinent, Indo-China and Malesia.
Volkameria
Volkameria are flowering plants that grow along coastlines in most continents across the globe. These plants are characterized by a visibly widened stem at the node, or the area where the floral bud forms, and by four-part fruits that are black or brown. Many volkameria are fragrant flowers grown for ornamental cultivation.
Colquhounia
Colquhounia is a genus of about six species of evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs or subshrubs in the family Lamiaceae. They are native to the Himalaya and southwestern China south to Peninsular Malaysia. They are growing to 1 to 3 m tall, rarely to 4 m. The aromatic leaves are finely toothed and borne in opposite pairs on the square stems. The flowers are tubular, two-lipped, and carried on terminal spikes.
Botanist in your pocket
App
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
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
Botanist in your pocket
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
Botanist in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
About
Basic Care Guide
Advanced Care
Key Facts
Types
Similar Plants
Ocimum
Ocimum
Ocimum has basic care needs that correspond to moderate light, ample water, warm temperatures, and richly organic well-drained soil. Challenges include pests like aphids and whiteflies, fungal diseases, and sensitivity to cold, draughts, and waterlogged soil. Seasonal care involves more watering and sunlight in summer, protection from cold in winter, and periodic pruning after flowering for continued growth. These perennial herbs need a careful balance between water, light, and soil nutrition for optimum yield.
Watering Frequency
Every week
Sunlight
Full sun
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Basic Care Guide
Feedback
How to Water Ocimum ?
Watering Frequency: Every week
Thriving in its native tropical habitat, ocimum is accustomed to consistent moisture and high humidity. This species exhibits a preference for evenly moist soil conditions, showing moderate drought tolerance. Watering should be done every week to maintain the desired moisture level. As an herb commonly grown indoors, ocimum benefits significantly from regular misting to replicate its humid origins, promoting lush foliage and robust growth.
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Ocimum ?
Ideal Lighting: Full sun
Ocimum thrives in warm, tropical regions, best emulating its native habitat. Optimal lighting for ocimum includes full sun exposure, with a preference for 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate light intensity is crucial for vigorous growth and essential oil production, influencing photosynthetic activity and flowering patterns. In non-native regions, these conditions can be met by placing ocimum in south-facing areas or using grow lights indoors, ensuring proper light quality and duration to mimic its preferred environment for sustained health.
Advanced Care Guide
Feedback
How to Propagate Ocimum ?
Propagating ocimum typically involves seed sowing or stem cuttings. Seeds require a warm temperature (around 70°F), well-draining soil, and consistent moisture for germination. Stem cuttings favor high humidity and warmth. Difficulty level is moderate, with challenges in maintaining suitable conditions for germination and rooting.
Steps:
- Collect seeds or cuttings;
- Sow seeds in moist soil or place cuttings in water/soil;
- Provide proper light and temperature;
- Transplant seedlings or rooted cuttings to individual pots;
- Acclimate to outdoor conditions if necessary.
How to Plant Ocimum ?
The ocimum genus thrives in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. They need full sun to part shade and regular watering to avoid wilting. Start by loosening the soil, amending with compost if needed, and plant seeds or transplants after the risk of frost. Space plants according to the specific species' recommended distance. Water them thoroughly after planting. Stake taller varieties to support growth. Note that specific species might have unique planting requirements.
How to Grow and Care for Gardenia
Feedback
Attributes of Ocimum
Sunlight
Full sun
Tolerance Lighting
Partial sun
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Soil
Loam, Sandy loam
Soil ph
6-7.5
Plant Type
Herb
Scientific Classification of Ocimum
Types of Ocimum
Feedback
Common basil 'African Blue'
Common basil 'African Blue' is a cross between camphor basil and dark oval basil. It is a sterile basil that cannot produce seeds of its own. The leaves start out purple and change to green over time. Long purple stems produce dark purple buds that open into lavender flowers. Common basil 'African Blue' is named for its purplish-blue color and African parentage.
Sweet basil 'Thai'
Sweet basil 'Thai' is a popular basil. This basil has narrow, dark green leaves with purple veins. The purple stems bloom purple flowers. Sweet basil 'Thai' has a fragrance that is pleasant and sweet, and a flavor reminiscent of anise, licorice, and clove.
Bush basil
Bush basil is a more compact basil variety, which makes it ideal for growing in small pots and incorporating into recipes. It is great for lighting up windowsills as it has lovely small white flowers that burst out of the stems.
Holy basil
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a fragrant herb that’s indigenous to India. It’s a popular ingredient in Thai cuisine. When used for this purpose, it’s called Thai holy basil. Adherents of the Vaishnava strain of Hinduism use it in religious ceremonies. Holistic practitioners worldwide place immense value on the aromatic essential oil derived from the plant.
Show More Plants
More Similar Plants
Feedback
Ocimum
Ocimum are a group of strongly aromatic, and often flavorful, herbs and shrubs. Many species within the genus are of tremendous culinary importance. Some species are used as herbs, and others are used as teas. Ocimum have such an influence all over the world that many cultures consider these species to be sacred and use them in religious rituals.
Tetradenia
Tetradenia is native to Africa, including Madagascar.
Rostrinucula
Rostrinucula is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. It has two known species, both endemic to China.
Sphenodesme
Sphenodesme is native to southern China, the Indian Subcontinent, Indo-China and Malesia.
Volkameria
Volkameria are flowering plants that grow along coastlines in most continents across the globe. These plants are characterized by a visibly widened stem at the node, or the area where the floral bud forms, and by four-part fruits that are black or brown. Many volkameria are fragrant flowers grown for ornamental cultivation.
Colquhounia
Colquhounia is a genus of about six species of evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs or subshrubs in the family Lamiaceae. They are native to the Himalaya and southwestern China south to Peninsular Malaysia. They are growing to 1 to 3 m tall, rarely to 4 m. The aromatic leaves are finely toothed and borne in opposite pairs on the square stems. The flowers are tubular, two-lipped, and carried on terminal spikes.
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...
