7 Bold Basils to Grow at Home

Easy-to-grow basil will thrive in a sunny window or garden spot. Try different varieties so you can experiment with adding lemony, peppery or even cinnamon-like flavor to dishes.

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Versatile basil

Because fragrant, versatile basil is so easy to grow, it's a summer staple for many home gardeners. With roots from Greece to Thailand, basil varieties range from sweet to spicy.

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Genovese Basil

The bold, summery flavor of Genovese basil stars in many pesto sauces. Try pesto on pasta, pizzas and as a sandwich spread.

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Thai Basil

Thai basil is a touch spicier than its other basil counterparts, but it stands up well to heat and cooking, making it a top choice for Asian-inspired vegetables and soups.

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Lemon Basil

Lemon basil's flavor mimics that of lemon zest. And like lemon zest, it pairs well with creamy pastas or fresh fish.

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Opal Basil

Opal basil's mildly spiced flavor and rich violet color make it great to use atop bruschetta or as a cocktail garnish, where the color and flavor can truly stand out.

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Bush Basil (or Spicy Blobe Basil)

Bush basil has a compact growth pattern that makes it perfect for container gardens or indoor herb gardens. Also called Greek basil, it adds a peppery zing to hummus or tzatziki sauce.

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Lime Basil

Lime basil's lime zest flavor is just as versatile as lime zest itself. Add it to marinades for grilled chicken, flavor a syrup for cocktails or infuse a sorbet.

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Cinnamon Basil

Like its namesake, cinnamon basil has a distinct spicy note. Cinnamon basil pairs well with fresh fruit. It can add a cinnamon-y note to fruit smoothies or be a fragrant garnish for summery desserts.

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