What Is Bush Basil?

People who have limited space for an herb garden may want to grow bush basil, also known as Ocimum minimum. This basil plant is not actually a bush, but rather a small species that grows anywhere from six to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) tall and around 12 inches (30 cm) wide. The dense foliage of this specimen is medium green with a white flower that appears in mid to late summer. Known for its rich aroma, dwarf basil is often used in cooking Italian dishes.

The bush basil plant is a cousin to sweet basil which originated in India but is now grown throughout the world. It is an annual plant, which means it must be re-planted each spring. This should be done as soon as possible after the danger of first frost in order to ensure the herb is ready for harvest in the fall.

Although it is called bush basil, this plant is not a shrub even though it has a very bushy appearance. Each plant grows only six to twelve inches (15 to 30 cm) tall, spreading as wide as it is high in some cases. Due to its size, dwarf basil is ideal to plant in small garden beds or patio containers.

The leaves of bush basil are very dense, hiding the plant's stems in many cases. They are typically medium green in color, rounded on the sides, and slightly pointed at the end. Leaves near the top of the plant may curl slightly inward, especially after the first flower buds begin to appear. These buds typically open in mid to late summer, revealing white or yellow blossoms which remain until early fall.

Bush basil should be planted in direct sun or placed in a window that receives at least eight hours of sunlight each day. It can tolerate a variety of soils, but prefers those that are very acidic with a pH of between 5.1 and 5.5. The herb needs to be watered frequently but should not be over-watered or allowed to grow in locations that are known for standing water.

This plant is very aromatic, so it is sometimes used in floral arrangements or dried to make wreaths. Many people like to cook with this herb, taking the leaves of the plant and crushing them before adding to casseroles or stews. No matter what it is used for, bush basil can be an interesting herb to grow for people of all ages.