Wild Basil
Clinopodium vulgare
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Pl. 3DDA — Clinopodium vulgare
Clinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgareClinopodium vulgare
IOverview
Overview
Wild Basil (Clinopodium vulgare) is a perennial herb native to regions spanning from Afghanistan and Albania to Ukraine and the Balkans. Known for its light, moist nature and preference for well-drained soils with a pH of 7–7.5, this plant thrives in environments ranging from sandy to medium-textured soil. It can be found across Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa, making it adaptable to various climates. The herb is valued for its edible leaves, which are commonly used in culinary applications. One distinctive feature of Wild Basil is its ability to grow up to 0.5 meters tall, contributing to its ornamental appeal as well.
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. Known for its light, moist nature and preference for well-drained soils with a pH of 7–7.5, this plant thrives in environments ranging from sandy to medium-textured soil.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
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
What you'll need
A small pot, quality potting soil, and seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors a month before planting outdoors.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5. Ensure your pot has drainage holes.
- 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
First two weeks
Keep soil moist and provide partial shade to help young plants establish. Water regularly but avoid overwatering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- 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
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Condiment, Tea
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe17 regions
native (17)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyPortugalRussiaUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)AfghanistanIranIraq
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Krasnoyarsk, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 3ddaa0fd-de04-4ddd-8fcc-c14892d9f58c
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