Someone harvesting leaves from their basil plant with a pair of scissors. - Elva Etienne/Getty Images Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the most rewarding herbs to grow, especially for beginners.

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Basil is a tender annual herb that thrives in warm, sunny conditions and well-draining soil. Regular pruning and pinching encourages bushier growth and a continuous harvest throughout the summer.

Regularly harvesting basil helps the plant stay bushy, healthy, and productive for a longer growing season. Pick leaves by gently pinching from the top down, which encourages fuller growth and ...

Fresh on your pizza, added to your favorite Italian and Southeastern Asian dishes, or made into pesto, it’s not surprising basil is often called the king of herbs. Look for opportunities to include ...

Fresh on your pizza, added to your favorite Italian and Southeastern Asian dishes, or made into pesto, it’s not surprising basil is often called the king of herbs. Look for opportunities to include ...

Fresh on your pizza, added to your favorite Italian and Southeastern Asian dishes, or made into pesto, it’s not surprising basil is often called the king of herbs. Look for opportunities to include ...

Of all the herbs, basil is most likely to be crowned prom queen. How to Grow, Store, and Eat Fresh Basil Basil has charisma. Basil carries an alluring perfume and a kind, gentle demeanor. And if you ...

If you live in a warm enough area there are some things you can do to keep your basil happy through the winter to flourish ...

— Recommendations are independently chosen by our editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Growing your first garden — or your first plant, ...

Explore the fascinating journey of growing basil from seed to lush plant in our 40-day time lapse video. Witness the basil ...