If you want to ramp up the interest in your herb garden, try growing an unusual basil. There are enough basil varieties to plant a garden dedicated to them.

1. ‘Dark Opal’ basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Dark Opal’)—Beautiful purple-burgundy leaves brushed with green make this variety a standout in the garden. Nice peppery flavor. 12–20 inches tall.

2. ‘Pesto Purpetuo’ basil (O. × citriodorum ‘Pesto Purpetuo’)—You’ll have to clue your guests in on this beauty because they probably won’t recognize it as a basil. It’s leaves are variegated with pale green and edged in cream. ‘Pesto Purpetuo’ grows to 48 inches tall, is nonflowering, and has a peppery flavor.

3. Lemon basil (Ocimum × africanum)—This basil variety brings a refreshing lemony-zesty tang with it. 18–24 inches tall.

4. ‘Genovese’ basil (O. basilicum ‘Genovese’)—Big, fat basil leaves with big, fat basil flavor. This is a must-have in the kitchen garden and is perfect for pesto. 15–30 inches tall.

5. ‘Cinnamon’ basil (O. basilicum ‘Cinnamon’)—Sporting broad, green leaves with purple stems and flowers, cinnamon basil has a fresh and spicy cinnamon flavor and scent. 24–30 inches tall.

6. Lime basil (O. americanum)—Narrow-leaved lime basil has a citrusy-lime flavor with a strong, tangy scent. 12–18 inches tall.

7. ‘Purple Ruffles’ basil (O.  basilicum var. purpurascens)—This is a gorgeous, colorful specimen in the garden and has stronger basil flavor than regular sweet basil. 15–20 inches tall.

8. ‘Christmas’ basil (O. basilicum ‘Christmas’)—This cross between Thai and Genovese basils has a flavor all its own. ‘Christmas’ basil is described as having a fruity, mulled-wine flavor with a touch of pine. Beautiful purple flower display. 15–20 inches tall.

9. Thai basil (O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora)—Resembles cinnamon basil with its green leaves with purple stems and flowers, but the leaves are narrower. Brings a dash of fennel or anise-clove flavor to dishes. 12–18 inches tall.

10. ‘Spicy Globe’ bush basil (O. basilicum ‘Spicy Globe’)—This basil has teeny, tiny leaves packed with pepper flavor. I love the texture of this variety.

How to keep cut basil fresh

Once herbs like basil have been harvested from the plant, their flavor and texture begin to fade. This is one of the best reasons for planting your own garden; the herbs can be harvested mere minutes before you use them.

One of my favorite ways to keep cut basil (and other herbs) fresh is to make little bouquets out of them, just as you would a handful of flowers. Fill a short vase with just enough cool water to submerge the stems. Do your best to keep the leaves from sitting in the water.

I usually leave them on the kitchen counter to enjoy their foliage and scent until I chop them up for a recipe. You could also refrigerate them.

If it’s your first season growing basil, check out Learn the Basics of Growing Basil.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

Buy at Amazon

The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library.

Buy at Amazon

Fort Vee - Organic Potting Soil Mix

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

PRODUCT DETAILS: Vermont Compost Company Fort Vee Organic Potting Mix A rich, organic, compost-based potting soil that is ideal for growing your veggies, Plants, and herbs free from any harmful chemicals. Our all natural mixed organic garden soil is composed of all-natural ingredients our Plants needed to grow naturally and is a great choice for gardeners who prefer compost-based germination and growing medium. Product Weight: 20 Quarts

Buy at Amazon