How much water does Ocimum basilicum 'Spicy Globe' need?

Ocimum basilicum 'Spicy Globe' has moderate, consistent moisture water needs.

Annuals

Ocimum basilicum 'Spicy Globe'

Spicy Globe Basil

UnknownAsia

At a Glance

Typeannual

Habitcompact, globe-shaped

Foliagedeciduous

Height6-8 inches

Width6-8 inches

Maturity0.17 years

Key Features

Fragrant (strong)

Container Friendly

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Ocimum basilicum 'Spicy Globe' is a compact, dwarf cultivar of sweet basil that forms a tight, globe-shaped mound of aromatic foliage. This distinctive basil variety grows to only 6-8 inches tall and wide, making it perfect for containers, borders, and small-space gardens. The small, oval leaves are bright green and densely packed along sturdy stems, creating an almost perfect spherical shape without the need for pinching or pruning. The foliage carries the classic spicy-sweet basil fragrance that intensifies when brushed or crushed, and the leaves have the traditional basil flavor with a slightly more concentrated taste due to their compact size. Small white flower spikes may appear above the foliage in summer, but the plant maintains its neat, rounded form throughout the growing season. Ocimum basilicum 'Spicy Globe' is distinguished from other basil varieties by its naturally compact, self-branching habit and uniform globe-like appearance.

Native Range

Ocimum basilicum is native to tropical regions of central Africa and Southeast Asia, particularly India and other parts of the Indian subcontinent. This cultivar 'Spicy Globe' was developed through selective breeding to create a compact garden form.

Suggested Uses

Ocimum basilicum 'Spicy Globe' works well as an edging plant in herb gardens, in containers and window boxes, and as a decorative border in vegetable gardens. Its compact size makes it ideal for small-space gardening, indoor growing under lights, and as a neat accent plant in formal herb garden designs. The uniform shape and size make it excellent for mass plantings or geometric garden patterns.

How to Identify

Ocimum basilicum 'Spicy Globe' can be identified by its distinctive compact, perfectly rounded growth habit that forms a dense globe of small, bright green leaves. Unlike other basil varieties that grow tall and require pinching, this cultivar naturally maintains a uniform spherical shape of 6-8 inches in all directions. The leaves are smaller than standard basil but retain the characteristic oval shape with smooth margins and the unmistakable spicy-sweet basil fragrance when touched.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 8"

Width/Spread6" - 8"

Reaches mature size in approximately 0.17 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

Summer

mid to late summer

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white

Foliage Description

bright green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate, consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

60-75 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Ocimum basilicum 'Spicy Globe' requires full sun and well-draining, fertile soil with consistent moisture. Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, as basil is sensitive to both drought and overwatering. Feed every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season. This compact variety requires minimal maintenance compared to other basil types, as its naturally bushy habit eliminates the need for frequent pinching. Harvest leaves regularly by pinching individual leaves or small stems to encourage continued growth and maintain the plant's aromatic qualities.

Pruning

Ocimum basilicum 'Spicy Globe' requires minimal pruning due to its naturally compact, self-branching habit. Remove any flower spikes that appear to keep the plant focused on leaf production and maintain the best flavor. Harvest leaves regularly by pinching them off at the stem junction, which will encourage bushier growth. Unlike tall basil varieties, this cultivar does not require pinching of growing tips to maintain its shape, as it naturally forms a perfect globe.

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 1 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Ocimum basilicum 'Spicy Globe' is generally safe for humans and commonly used as a culinary herb. The leaves are edible and safe for most people when consumed in normal food quantities. However, basil may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. While not highly toxic to pets, large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

after last frost when soil temperature reaches 60°F

Days to Maturity

60–75 days

Plant Spacing

6 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes

peppers

oregano

parsley

marigolds

Avoid Planting With

rue

sage