Bush Basil
Ocimum minimum
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Pl. FF59 — Ocimum minimum
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IOverview
Overview
Bush Basil, scientifically known as Ocimum minimum, is an annual herb native to India and Sri Lanka. This small plant, reaching heights of about 0.3 meters, thrives in full sun and moist, light (sandy) soil. It is valued for its edible leaves and seeds, making it a useful addition to gardens or culinary dishes. One distinctive feature of Bush Basil is its adaptability; it can grow in various conditions but prefers well-draining soils and ample sunlight. Its ornamental value, while not as prominent as some other basil varieties, makes it a charming addition to herb gardens or borders.
Quick answers
What is Bush Basil?
Bush Basil, scientifically known as Ocimum minimum, is an annual herb native to India and Sri Lanka. This small plant, reaching heights of about 0.3 meters, thrives in full sun and moist, light (sandy) soil. It is valued for its edible leaves and seeds, making it a useful addition to gardens or culinary dishes.
What is Bush Basil used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Bush Basil
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Bush Basil appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Bush Basil support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bush Basil thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) to medium in texture. It grows best in USDA zones 9-11 but can be grown as an annual in cooler regions. Harvest the leaves and seeds for culinary use. Skip hardiness zone details if not applicable to your area.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
9-11
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bush Basil for the first time
8steps
Start with Bush Basil to gain confidence in your gardening skills.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small pot or garden bed, and basic tools like a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Bush Basil after the last frost in spring when temperatures are consistently above 15°C (60°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, ensuring containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost is past, or start seedlings indoors about 4 weeks before planting out.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot and protect from strong winds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, regular watering, and occasional feeding with compost tea or diluted liquid fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Pinch back new growth to encourage bushiness. Harvest leaves as needed for cooking or maintenance pruning.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues beginners face.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Condiment, Drink, Tea
Other uses:Essential OilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 2 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 2 native· 2 introduced
Asia2 regions
native (2)IndiaSri Lanka
Broader regions
introduced:Gulf of Guinea Is., Tuamotu
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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