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Is Basil a Perennial?

Basil is NOT a perennial.

In most areas, basil is grown as an annual. In warm, tropical climates such as India and Asia it can be grown as a short-lived perennial.

Why Is Basil an Annual?

An annual is a plant that survives only one season. Basil is tender and sensitive to frost injury. Once the cold temperatures hit, basil will not survive.

Sweet Basil

Though there are over 40 Ocimum species (basil),but Ocimum basilicum ,sweet basil, is the most commonly grown and well known. If you stagger your planting every 2-3 weeks and harvest your plants modestly but regularly, you can enjoy your basil crop throughout your growing season. Pick leaves as needed at least ¼" above a set of true leaves to encourage continued growth.

Top Producers of Basil

Basil is grown commercially in the United States with the top producers being California, Arizona, North Carolina, and New Mexico. Top producers worldwide are France, Morocco, Indonesia, Hungary, and Egypt.