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Wild Basil

Clinopodium vulgare
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Clinopodium vulgare (Wild Basil) — botanical photograph
Pl. 3DDA — Clinopodium vulgare
Clinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgare
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Overview

Wild Basil (Clinopodium vulgare) is a perennial herb native to regions spanning from Afghanistan and Albania to Ukraine and the Balkans, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This adaptable plant thrives in light to medium-textured soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it well-suited for environments ranging from sandy to moist conditions. Wild Basil is commonly found in various habitats across its native range, contributing to its widespread distribution. The herb's edible leaves are valued for their use as a condiment or in tea preparations, adding a distinctive flavor to culinary dishes. Growing up to 0.5 meters tall, Wild Basil also has ornamental appeal and can be cultivated for its aesthetic qualities. This plant is hardy in temperate regions with zones 6-9, making it suitable for gardens and landscapes within these conditions. While not traditionally used medicinally, the leaves of Wild Basil are safe to consume as a culinary herb. Its cultivation requires light to partial sun exposure and well-draining soil, ensuring optimal growth and health.

Quick answers

What is Wild Basil?

Wild Basil (Clinopodium vulgare) is a perennial herb native to regions spanning from Afghanistan and Albania to Ukraine and the Balkans, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This adaptable plant thrives in light to medium-textured soils with a pH between 7 and 7.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Wild Basil thrives in light to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soils that are light (sandy) or medium-textured with a pH of 7-7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions with zones 6-9. This perennial herb grows up to 0.5 meters tall and can be propagated through division or seed. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers

How to grow Wild Basil for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple and adaptable approach to growing Wild Basil.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A small pot, quality potting soil, and seeds or young plants.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors a month before planting outdoors.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5. Ensure your pot has drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors, then transplant outdoors once they have two sets of true leaves.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep soil moist and provide partial shade to help young plants establish. Water regularly but avoid overwatering.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Harvest leaves as needed for use in cooking.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting too deep, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular pruning.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Condiment, Tea
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

57 native · 39 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 57 native· 39 introduced
Europe25 regions
native (25)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia6 regions
native (6)AfghanistanIranIraqPakistanTurkeyTurkmenistan
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Krasnoyarsk, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, West Himalaya, Yakutskiya, Yugoslavia
introduced:Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Newfoundland, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Clinopodium vulgare (Wild Basil) — botanical photograph
Wild Basil (Clinopodium vulgare)
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Explore further

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