Quick facts
| Arabic name | الريحان |
|---|---|
| English name | Basil (Rayhan) |
| Scientific name | Ocimum basilicum |
| Family | Mint family (Lamiaceae) |
| Plant type | Annual aromatic herb |
| Height | Usually 30 to 60 cm |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
February to April, and September to October
Harvest time
April to November
Pick leaves 6 to 8 weeks after planting, again and againJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Square stems, oval leaves in pairs with a strong nice smell, and small white or pink flowers on spikes.
Where it grows
Grown in many regions, and well known in Asir, Jazan and Al-Baha, where it is used in herb crowns.
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with compost.
Water and irrigation
Regular, moderate watering. Keep soil moist but not wet.
Climate and light
Likes warmth and sun or light shade. No frost.
Propagation
Easy from seeds. Cuttings root fast in water.
Benefits and uses
- Fragrant decorative plant
- Used in traditional herb crowns
- Used in cooking
- Attracts bees
Drawbacks
- Short life (usually one season)
- Cannot handle cold and frost
- Pests like aphids and whiteflies attack it
Important notes
Cut the flowers early to get more leaves for longer.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Ocimum basilicum
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Ocimum basilicum
- Wikipedia: Basil
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) - Plant finder
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)