Spicy Globe Basil
Ocimum basilicum 'Spicy Globe'
A charming miniature basil that forms perfect little mounds of tiny, intensely flavored leaves - ideal for container gardens and small spaces. Despite its diminutive size, this variety packs a powerful basil punch and naturally stays compact without constant pruning. The globe shape and small leaves make it as ornamental as it is useful, perfect for edging herb gardens or windowsill growing.
Harvest
60-70d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
10–10
USDA hardiness
Height
0-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Spicy Globe Basil in USDA Zone 10
All Zone 10 herb →Zone Map
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Spicy Globe Basil · Zones 10–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – April | — | April – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 4 in. - 1 ft. 2 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Leaves and flowers in tea, as flavoring
Storage & Preservation
Fresh Spicy Globe Basil leaves maintain peak flavor for 3-5 days when stored properly. Wrap harvested sprigs loosely in damp paper towels and store in the refrigerator at 40°F, or place stems in water like cut flowers and keep at room temperature for 2-3 days, changing water daily.
For preservation, the small leaves excel in several methods. Ice cube freezing works perfectly – pack whole leaves or chopped basil into ice cube trays with olive oil or water for individual portions. The concentrated flavor holds well through freezing, unlike some larger basil varieties that become bitter.
Drying works exceptionally well due to the small leaf size and high essential oil content. Hang small bunches in a warm, dry, dark location for 7-10 days, or use a dehydrator at 95°F for 6-8 hours. The dried leaves retain more flavor intensity than standard basil varieties. For pesto, make small batches using the entire plant at peak harvest, then freeze in small containers for winter use.
History & Origin
Origin: Tropical Africa and Asia
Advantages
- +Edible: Leaves and flowers in tea, as flavoring
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Tomatoes
Basil repels hornworms, aphids, and whiteflies while potentially improving tomato flavor
Peppers
Basil deters aphids and spider mites that commonly attack pepper plants
Oregano
Both herbs have similar growing requirements and can enhance each other's essential oil production
Parsley
Compatible growing needs and parsley may help deter some pests that affect basil
Lettuce
Basil provides light shade for lettuce in hot weather and repels aphids
Marigolds
Repel nematodes and other soil pests while attracting beneficial insects
Asparagus
Basil may help repel asparagus beetles and both plants don't compete for space
Beans
Basil helps repel bean beetles and aphids while beans fix nitrogen in soil
Keep Apart
Rue
Inhibits basil growth through allelopathic compounds and may stunt development
Common Sage
Competes for similar nutrients and may inhibit basil's growth through root competition
Fennel
Produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of most herbs including basil
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to common basil diseases due to compact growth habit
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies
Diseases
Fusarium wilt, bacterial leaf spot in very humid conditions