Small-leaved basil

ocimum minimum

Also known as: ["Bush basil","Dwarf basil"]

Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Ocimum Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A small, aromatic herb in the mint family, valued for culinary and medicinal uses.

Benefits & Perks

["culinary herb","medicinal use","fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Botanical Name: Ocimum minimum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sunny spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Collectors & Enthusiasts Children & Families Indoor Plant Lovers Culinary Herb Gardeners
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks during growing season; as needed to maintain shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth at a time.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from indoors to outdoors; protect from intense midday sun to prevent scorching.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering); stunted growth (poor soil fertility); root rot (poor drainage).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; place near south-facing window indoors.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in low light.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content

pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers warm conditions (65–85°F); thrives in heat but can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 50°F.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from air vents; maintain consistent warmth for best growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer

Reduce or stop fertilizing in winter; avoid fertilizer burn by not applying to dry soil.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity, indirect light, and warm temperatures (70–75°F).

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss

Hormone

Optional, but recommended for faster rooting

Timeline

Roots in 2–3 weeks; ready to transplant in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and more foliage/flowers.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune in early morning; remove dead/damaged growth; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).

Method

Gently remove plant; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; promotes fresh soil and space for growth.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh, well-draining soil; water after repotting; avoid fertilizing for a week.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution to the root zone; allow excess water to drain completely.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves (cold); leaf drop, stunted growth (heat).

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; cover if frost is expected; avoid cold drafts.

Hot Stress

Can wilt, drop leaves, or flower prematurely in extreme heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); dilute to half strength.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Ocimum minimum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Ocimum minimum can be caused by water stress, either due to under or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Ocimum minimum may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting in Ocimum minimum, particularly root or stem rot, is often caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Ocimum minimum is not considered toxic to cats. The plant is generally safe for feline consumption, though large quantities may cause mild digestive upset.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your cat for any signs of digestive discomfort if they consume large amounts of the plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Ocimum minimum is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant is generally safe for canine consumption, though large quantities may cause mild digestive upset.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your dog for any signs of digestive discomfort if they consume large amounts of the plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Ocimum minimum, commonly known as wild basil, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is often used in culinary applications and traditional medicine for its aromatic properties and potential health benefits.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. Use in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ocimum minimum the same as regular basil?

A: No, Ocimum minimum is a smaller variety of basil compared to the common sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum).

Q: Can Ocimum minimum be grown indoors?

A: Yes, it can be grown indoors with adequate sunlight and proper watering.

Q: What are the culinary uses of Ocimum minimum?

A: It is used in cooking, particularly in salads, sauces, and as a garnish due to its aromatic leaves.

Quick Reference
Family: Lamiaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","collectors/enthusiasts","children/families","indoor plant lovers","culinary herb gardeners"]
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