11-Spicy Bush Basil

Spicy Bush Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Spicy Bush’)

Spicy Bush Basil is a compact, aromatic, edible basil variety characterized by its dense, bushy growth, small green leaves, and distinctive spicy-sweet basil fragrance. It is particularly suitable for container gardening, herb gardens, garden borders, and ornamental edible landscapes.

It is closely related to dwarf and bush-type sweet basil varieties and is grown for both its culinary and ornamental qualities.

Characteristic :Details
Common Name: Spicy Bush Basil
Botanical Name :Ocimum basilicum ‘Spicy Bush’
Family: Lamiaceae
Plant Type :Aromatic herb
Life Cycle Annual; may persist longer in tropical climates
Plant Height :20–35 cm
Plant Spread :20–35 cm
Growth Habit: Compact, dense, rounded bush
Leaf Color: Bright to medium green
Leaf Shape :Small, oval
Leaf Texture :Smooth to slightly textured
Flower Color ;White to pale pink
Fragrance: Spicy, sweet, aromatic
Culinary Use :Fresh leaves, pesto, salads, sauces
Ornamental Use :Containers, borders, herb gardens

Distinctive Characteristics

A. Compact Growth Habit

• Naturally develops a rounded, bushy appearance.
• Produces numerous side branches.
• Forms a dense canopy.
• Suitable for small gardens and containers.
• Requires relatively little space.

B. Foliage

• Produces numerous small green leaves.
• Leaves are aromatic and edible.
• Has a spicy-sweet basil flavor.
• Produces abundant foliage when regularly harvested.

C. Flowers

• Produces small flowers on terminal spikes.
• Flower colors may range from white to pale pink.
• Attracts bees and other beneficial pollinators.

D. Fragrance

The leaves have a characteristic spicy basil aroma with sweet and clove-like notes.The spicy character of basil varieties is associated with their essential-oil composition, including compounds such as eugenol.

Propagation

The most common propagation method is through seeds.

Seed Propagation Procedure

1. Prepare a fine, well-draining seed-starting medium.
2. Sow seeds approximately 2–3 mm deep.
3. Cover lightly with growing medium.
4. Maintain consistent moisture.
5. Place in a warm location.
6. Germination generally occurs within 5–14 days.
7. Transplant seedlings after developing several true leaves.

Avoid excessive watering during germination because young basil seedlings are susceptible to damping-off.

Maintenance and Care

To maintain its compact, rounded growth habit:

• Pinch the growing tips when plants are established.
• Encourage lateral branching.
• Remove flower spikes when the objective is leaf production.
• Harvest leaves regularly.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer.
• Maintain adequate sunlight.
• Avoid waterlogged soil.

Important: Regular pinching is particularly useful for maintaining the dense, attractive appearance of Spicy Bush Basil.

Culinary Uses

Spicy Bush Basil is an edible variety of sweet basil.

Its leaves can be used for:

• Fresh salads
• Pesto
• Pasta dishes
• Tomato sauces
• Soups
• Vegetable dishes
• Meat dishes
• Herbal oils
• Garnishing