Description of the 20 best basil varieties, what is the difference between green and purple

Varieties of aromatic basil vary in plant size, foliage color, care requirements, and, most importantly, fragrance. Depending on the variety, the plant may smell like lemon, vanilla, or menthol. This medicinal plant has found wide culinary use, used in homemade preserves and seasonings. Lush, beautiful bushes with colorful leaves also make a beautiful addition to a garden bed.

Growing characteristics

Most gardeners choose to grow basil from seedlings because it thrives in warmer climates. Seedlings are planted in the garden around mid-May, after the threat of frost has passed. A well-lit location protected from cold winds is ideal for cultivating these delicate plants.

For spice, light, humus-rich soil with good moisture permeability is preferable. A month before planting the seedlings, the area is dug up and peat, humus or compost is added.

How to distinguish basil by the color of its leaves

The first thing that catches your eye when choosing a basil variety is the color of the leaves, which can be not only classic green, but also a rich purple.

Green

This green-leaved spice has a delicate flavor and a pleasant, subtle aroma. This plant is used in cooking. After sowing the seeds, the seedlings emerge quickly and develop rapidly. A mature green basil bush grows up to 0.5 m in height and is heavily branched.

Violet

A distinctive feature of this variety is the purple or reddish color of the leaves. The plant has a strong aroma and a very rich flavor, as well as a high content of essential oils. The flavor is retained even after drying. Purple basil is used for harvesting marinades, pickles, seasonings for meat.

What is the difference between green and purple basil?

Green and purple basil differ not only in leaf color but also in their chemical composition. These plants also have very different aromas. They are used for different culinary purposes. Purple varieties contain a large amount of essential oils, which is why their scent is strong, while green ones emit a subtle and delicate aroma. The spice is used not only for cooking, but also for medicinal purposes.

Classification of varieties by aroma

The aroma of the spice also serves as the basis for the classification of this plant, as it is unique and inimitable for each variety.

Clove

Fragrant, spicy basil can replace cloves in preserves. Dense bushes with small leaves will decorate not only a garden bed, but also pots and garden beds. The best varieties for this purpose are:

• Spring mood;
• Red Ruby;
• Clove aroma;
• Dark night.

Clove-pepper

The unique aroma makes this beneficial plant suitable for culinary use, both fresh and dried. The compact bushes grow successfully in both garden beds and windowsills. Common varieties in this series include:

• Dreamer;
• Marquis.

Pepper

This basil is used in meat seasonings because it has a tart, salty flavor, as well as a pleasant peppery aroma. When dried, it retains a slight pungency. Common varieties include:

• Camphor;
• Magic of the East;
• Osmine;
• Compatto.

Citric

This basil will impart not only a dessert-like aroma to culinary dishes, but also a subtle tartness. This characteristic appeals to even the most discerning palates. The most common varieties are:

• Citric;
• Spark.

Caramel

Varieties belonging to this species are considered rare. They are used primarily for making drinks, salads, vinegars, and baked goods. Basil is most commonly grown:

• Red Ruby Nem Zaden;
• Caramel.

Marinade

These varieties were bred primarily for pickling. These are typically green-leaved plants, but red-leaved ones are also common. The following are considered the best:

• Basilisk;
• Tempter;
• Broadleaf.

Anisic

Those who appreciate refined aromas will appreciate anise-scented basil varieties. They are typically grown not only outdoors but also on windowsills. Common varieties include:

• Gourmet;
• Anisic;
• Aperitif.

Peppermint

This basil is widely used in Mediterranean dishes. It has a minty-peppery flavor and a pleasant aroma. The most popular variety is Greek, which is suitable for growing in garden beds and ceramic pots indoors.

Menthol

Those who enjoy the freshness of mint will appreciate varieties with a menthol aroma. The most popular of these is Velvet, suitable for drying, freezing, and making marinades, vinegar, and various beverages. It is characterized by its tonic properties.

Vanilla

Varieties with a distinctive vanilla aroma are used primarily in confectionery. This type of basil is also considered a good aphrodisiac. Gardeners most often choose the easy-to-grow variety "Vanilla Aroma."

Its succulent leaves are initially green and turn purple as they ripen.

It is cultivated both in open beds and indoors.

How to divide plants by height

Dividing varieties into low-growing, tall-growing, and medium-growing is important for properly distributing the available space in the garden bed and obtaining the maximum yield of this healthy spice.

Short stature

Low-growing bushes are grown not only in open ground, but also on windowsills, in flowerpots, and even in planters. In conditions of short daylight hours when growing indoors, additional lighting will be required.The plant reaches a maximum height of 15-30 cm.

Medium height basil

Medium-sized basil grows to 0.3-0.6 m. It is grown primarily in open beds, less commonly in pots. The most popular varieties are:

• Wonderful;
• Cinnamon.

Tall varieties

Tall basil grows to 0.6-0.9 m and is cultivated only in open beds. The plant is vigorous, spreading, and massive, requiring ample space. Common varieties include:

• Gourmet clove;
• Ruby of Cairo.

Selecting varieties for different regions of Russia

Basil is grown everywhere where agriculture is developed. Breeders have not developed specific varieties for Siberia. Residents of this region are advised to choose plants with early ripening periods and good cold tolerance. This spice is grown exclusively from seedlings. The following varieties are suitable for open ground in the Urals and Siberia:

• Yerevan;
• Baku;
• Tempter.

For the Moscow region, where the climate is characterized by unstable, damp, and cool weather, the following varieties are recommended:

• Velvet;
• Small-leaved;
• Ararat.

These varieties are also recommended for temperate climates. However, due to unstable weather and a prolonged spring, they are grown from seedlings. Planting in open ground occurs towards the end of May, once the threat of recurrent spring frosts has passed.

The best varieties of green basil

Green basil is very popular among connoisseurs of salads, fresh herbs, and aromatic drinks. Over the years, gardeners have developed several favorite varieties.

Basilisk

This variety is suitable for growing both on a windowsill and in garden beds. The spice is ready for consumption within a couple of months of sprouting. The bush grows to a height of no more than 20 cm. The leaves are small, dark green, and have a clove-pepper scent.

Clove

This annual plant has a very strong clove aroma and is used as a substitute for cloves in preserves. Basil grows up to 0.6 m in height and is used not only as a spice but also as an ornamental garden plant.

Greek

Basil has a compact bush, no more than 15 cm tall. The spice is harvested two months after germination. The leaves have a sweet taste and a rich, pleasant aroma.

Lemon scent

This variety is distinguished by its fresh taste and pleasant aroma. The spice is harvested 42 days after sprouting. It is used to make drinks, desserts, and original salads.

Gourmet

This spice pairs perfectly not only with fish and meat, but also with vegetables. It can be eaten fresh or dried, without losing its flavor. The Gourmand basil plant grows up to 0.6 m tall.

Caramel

The Caramel basil variety has a fruity, caramel-like aroma. The greens ripen 32 days after germination. Distinguishing features include increased disease resistance, a moisture-loving nature, light requirements, and an intolerance to drafts.

Thai Queen

This basil grows as a branched bush, reaching 0.5 m in height. Its beautiful blooms distinguish it from other varieties. The plant produces beautiful purple flower stalks. The flowering period lasts approximately 60 days.

Sacred

This herbaceous subshrub has a pungent clove scent and a pleasant flavor. The perennial plant prefers warm climates for cultivation.

naughty boy

A compact bush suitable for growing on both a windowsill and in a garden bed. This fine-leaved, branched plant has excellent flavor and a pleasant aroma.

Tone

This basil begins flowering 74 days after germination. The bush reaches a height of 0.6 m. The leaves have a spicy flavor and a light aroma.

The best varieties of purple basil

Varieties with purple leaflets are no less popular than those with green leaves. They differ not only in appearance but also in taste and aroma.

Thai

The bush is compact and very decorative. It can be grown both in garden beds and as a houseplant. When added to dishes, it imparts a spicy aroma with a slight hint of cinnamon.

Yerevan

A beautiful, lush basil bush will be a true highlight of your garden. The leaves have a pleasant tea-like aroma with subtle hints of allspice. During flowering, the plant is covered in bright pink flowers.

Opal

This basil plant grows to a height of 0.65 m. The leaves have a peppery-mustard aroma. When the buds open, the basil is covered with crimson flowers.

Pepper aroma

The plant reaches a maximum height of 0.6 m. This variety of basil contains a large amount of essential oils, minerals and vitamins. The leaves are ready for consumption after 3 weeks.

Ararat

This early and highly aromatic basil variety yields a harvest just 21 days after sprouting. The plant reaches a maximum height of 0.6 m. It can be used both fresh and dried.

Vanilla basil

An annual plant characterized by a strong stem, basil grows no more than 0.4 m tall. It has a unique flavor, making it even used as a seasoning for fruit dishes.

Red

Red basil is sometimes considered a separate variety. This annual plant is an indispensable ingredient in marinades, salads, and fish and meat dishes. It is also a spice added to sandwiches. Depending on the variety, the red-leaved plant can have either a greenish or purple hue.

Culinary uses

Thanks to its beneficial properties and varied flavor and aroma, basil has found wide culinary use. It's impossible to list all the dishes in which this spice is added, as chefs' imaginations know no bounds. Since the plant goes well with both meat and fish, as well as vegetables, it is added not only to sauces and seasonings, but also to salads and seafood. Basil has become a popular ingredient in drinks, vinegars, and teas. It's also essential for marinades.