Food. How to Grow Herbs. Information How To Grow Basil. Ocimum basilicum Basil, the common name for Ocimum basilicum, is a popular sweet herb of the Mint Family esteemed for flavoring and formerly used for medicinal purposes.
An annual of the tropics, it is tender and should not be attempted outdoors until the weather is warm. Basil grows easily from seed which may be sown in the garden or started indoors. Basil also grows well indoors under fluorescent and HID plant growing lights. The small flowers are white or purple, but the plant is grown for its sometimes purple tinged leaves, which are cut during the growing season and used fresh or dried in bundles.