Discover the basil varieties that will elevate your dishes and bring fragrance to your garden. Whether you grow in pots or garden beds, explore the incredible diversity of this iconic herb.
Aromatic and flavourful: the story and scents of basil
Native to tropical regions of Asia, basil has become a staple in kitchens around the world thanks to its unmistakable fragrance. Notes of nutmeg, anise, clove or lemon pair beautifully with tomatoes, garlic, citrus and exotic dishes. Each variety has its own personality, making basil one of the most versatile herbs you can grow.
The secret to unbeatable freshness: grow your own basil
Nothing compares to the aroma of freshly picked basil. Growing your own plants lets you enjoy exceptional freshness, experiment with rare varieties and add a touch of garden flavour to your favourite recipes.
Top 10 basil varieties: a world of colours and flavours
With more than 150 varieties worldwide, basil offers remarkable diversity. Here are the most popular varieties you’ll find in garden centres:
- Grand vert (Genovese): The classic basil. Large green leaves, balanced flavour, perfect for pesto, salads and Italian dishes. Height: 30–45 cm.
- Fin vert: Small, smooth leaves with a lightly spicy aroma. Very productive and ideal for pots and small spaces.
- Thai basil: Pointed leaves, purple stems and a spicy flavour with notes of anise and tarragon. Essential for curries, stir-fries and Asian soups. Heat tolerant.
- Purple basil: Deep purple leaves and stems, mild peppery flavour with hints of ginger. Beautiful in containers and delicious in salads, infused oils and cocktails.
- Lettuce leaf basil: Large, crinkled leaves with a mild, slightly aniseed flavour. Perfect for wraps, salads and sandwiches.
- Lemon basil: Bright green leaves with a fresh citrus aroma. Excellent with fish, desserts, herbal teas and summer drinks.
- Monstrueux Mammouth: Giant leaves and strong flavour. Ideal for large batches of pesto and abundant harvests. Can reach up to 60 cm.
- Cinnamon basil: Warm, sweet flavour reminiscent of cinnamon. Great for teas, desserts, compotes and fruit dishes.
- Licorice basil: Strong anise-like aroma. Delicious in fruit salads, ice creams, jams and cocktails.
- Peruvian basil: A complex blend of mint, oregano and camphor. Ideal for sauces, marinades and herbal infusions.
Good to know: Basil naturally repels mosquitoes, flies and aphids while attracting pollinators.
How to choose the right basil variety
Each variety has its strengths. Here are some tips to help you choose:
- For pesto: Grand vert (Genovese), Mammouth, Lettuce leaf.
- For Asian dishes: Thai basil, Cinnamon basil.
- For desserts: Lemon basil, Licorice basil, Cinnamon basil.
- For cocktails: Purple basil, Lemon basil.
- For decorative planters: Purple basil, Cinnamon basil, Thai basil.
- For beginners: Grand vert (Genovese), Fin vert, Purple basil.
- For small spaces: Greek basil, Purple basil, Lemon basil.
Rare and specialty varieties worth discovering
For curious gardeners, here are some lesser-known but fascinating varieties:
- Holy basil (Tulsi): Highly aromatic, used in teas and traditional medicine.
- Greek basil: Compact and perfect for small pots and balconies. Strong aroma.
- African blue basil: Purple-veined foliage, intense fragrance, very ornamental and heat tolerant.
- Ararat basil: Green and purple variegated leaves with a mild, floral flavour.
How to use different basil varieties in the kitchen
Basil is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to highlight each variety:
- Grand vert (Genovese): pesto, caprese salads, tomato sauces.
- Purple basil: infused oils, homemade vinegar, cocktails.
- Thai basil: pad thai, curries, pho.
- Lemon basil: desserts, fish dishes, lemonade.
- Cinnamon basil: compotes, pies, herbal teas.
Botanix tip: Combine several varieties in the same pot to create a fragrant and decorative summer planter.
Best varieties for pots vs. garden beds
- Best for pots: Greek basil, Purple basil, Lemon basil, Fin vert.
- Best for garden beds: Grand vert (Genovese), Mammouth, Lettuce leaf, Thai basil.
Companion planting
Basil grows especially well near:
- tomatoes
- peppers
- eggplants
- beans
Avoid planting it near fennel, which can hinder its growth.
Learn more
To learn how to plant and care for basil, explore our guides:
Whether you love pesto, Asian cuisine or simply aromatic plants, there’s a basil variety for you. Visit your local Botanix garden centre to discover available varieties and get personalized advice from our experts.
