Science · Plants, Natives & Crops

Basil

Warm-season annual herb grown for aromatic leaves; requires sun, fertile well-drained soil, and regular moisture.

Ocimum basilicum · Herb/medicinal crop

Profile

Site: Full sun where stated by cited publication.
Soil: Use well-drained soil; crop-specific preferences summarized in water guidance.
Production: Harvest or propagation recommendations depend on crop.
Caution: No unsupported numeric salinity or moisture thresholds supplied.

Water & soil context

Moisture (VWC): Regular moisture supports leaf growth.
Salinity tolerance: Not documented in cited pages.
Drought tolerance: Moisture is important during active leaf growth.

Illustrative monitoring-depth band

6–12 in

Editorial placement example, not a validated optimum or total rooting depth. Confirm the site's root distribution and soil horizons; multiple depths may be needed.

Avoid saturated soil; supply steady root-zone moisture in warm weather.

Problems to watch

Downy mildew; fusarium wilt

Stress signs

Yellow leaves; darkened or collapsing stems

Where you'll find it

Fresh and dried culinary leaves

Sources & scope

More plants, natives & crops

Date Palm California Buckwheat California Fuchsia California Lilac (Ceanothus)California Poppy California Sagebrush

All Science profiles

Published botanical and soil references are distinct from GroundWorx product guidance. Moisture thresholds and monitoring depths require site calibration; sources do not establish product performance or diagnose stress.