How to Grow Boxwood Basil
Boxwood Basil
Ocimum basilicum var. 'Boxwood'
herbBoxwood basil is a compact, ornamental variety of sweet basil known for its dense, mounding habit and tiny leaves that resemble boxwood shrubs. It grows only 6-12 inches tall, making it ideal for container gardening, borders, and small spaces. This variety maintains the classic basil flavor while offering unique aesthetic appeal.
When should you plant Boxwood Basil in your zone?
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Example Boxwood Basil timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Boxwood Basil
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Boxwood Basil
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Boxwood Basil dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Best in zones 10-11; grown as an annual in cooler zones (5-9)
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout within 5-10 days; seedlings develop first true leaves after 2-3 weeks
Keep soil warm (70-75°F), moist, and under bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 sets of true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy, compact form with dense small leaves; roots establish
Pinch off top growing tips every 2-3 weeks to encourage bushier growth. Maintain consistent moisture and full sun. Fertilize biweekly with balanced fertilizer.
Leafy Maturity
Throughout growing seasonPlant reaches full compact size (6-12 inches) with abundant foliage ready for harvesting
Begin regular harvesting to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Remove flower buds as they appear to extend leaf production.
Flowering
2-4 weeks (if allowed to flower)Small white or pale purple flowers appear on spikes above the foliage
Pinch off flower buds to preserve foliage quality and leaf production. Flavor becomes more bitter once flowers develop.
End of Season
Variable (until frost or temperature decline)Plant growth slows as temperatures cool below 60°F; leaves become thin and sparse
In warm climates, continue harvesting. In colder regions, bring container plants indoors or prepare for season end.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning; use neem oil spray; encourage beneficial predators
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with water; use neem oil; improve air circulation
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulch
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Spray with strong water stream; insecticidal soap; neem oil; beneficial insects
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and
Remove by hand; copper tape around pots; beer traps; diatomaceous earth
Uses
Fresh Cooking & Salads
CulinaryBoxwood basil's delicate leaves are perfect for garnishing salads, pasta dishes, and cocktails. The compact plant provides abundant fresh leaves throughout the season for culinary use. [source]
Pesto Making
CulinaryDespite smaller leaves, Boxwood basil can be used to make traditional basil pesto with its characteristic sweet, peppery flavor, ideal for portions for individual servings. [source]
Herbal Tea & Digestive Aid
MedicinalBasil leaves can be steeped into a soothing tea that aids digestion and provides antioxidants. Traditionally used in herbal medicine for anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Ornamental Container Plant
HouseholdBoxwood basil's compact, mounding form makes it an attractive ornamental for patios, balconies, and indoor windowsills, providing both aesthetic appeal and fresh herbs. [source]
Dried Herb & Crafts
CraftBoxwood basil can be dried and used in floral arrangements, wreaths, and potpourri. Dried leaves retain flavor for use in culinary preparations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting when plant has 6-8 leaves (about 3-4 weeks after transplanting). Pinch off leaf clusters from the top; never remove more than 1/3 of the plant at once. Pinch off flower buds to extend leaf harvest. Best harvested in early morning after dew dries. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth and prevents flowering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Boxwood basil was specifically bred to have a dense, compact growth habit that resembles actual boxwood shrubs, making it a clever ornamental-culinary hybrid.
- 🌱 Unlike many ornamental plants, Boxwood basil is fully edible and flavorful, allowing gardeners to grow beautiful plants that also provide fresh culinary herbs.
- 🌱 Basil is native to tropical regions of central Africa and Southeast Asia and has been cultivated for thousands of years in Asian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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