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Greek Column Basil 'Lesbos': Upright Culinary Herb

Overview

Greek column basil 'Lesbos' (Ocimum basilicum 'Lesbos'), also known as 'Aussie Sweet' or 'Greek Columnar', is a distinctive basil cultivar with a naturally upright, columnar growth habit. It does not flower readily, allowing for extended leaf harvest.

Botanical Details

Family:	Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Genus:	Ocimum (OSS-ih-mum)
Species:	basilicum (bass-IL-ee-kum)
Cultivar:	Lesbos
Additional cultivar information:	(aka Aussie Sweet, Greek Columnar)
Synonym:	Ocimum x citriodorum

Uses and Benefits

Ideal for small spaces and containers. Leaves have a sweet, slightly spicy basil flavor. Because it bolts slowly, it provides a long harvest season. Great for pesto, salads, and garnishes.

Herbs: Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum): The King of Culinary Herbs; Greek Basil 'Spicy Globe': A Compact, Aromatic Herb for Small Spaces; Thai Basil 'Siam Queen' (Ocimum × citriodorum 'Siam Queen'): AAS-Winning Ornamental and Culinary Basil; Lime Basil (Ocimum americanum 'Lime'): Zesty Citrus Basil for Drinks and Desserts; Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum): Sacred Medicinal Herb; Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon'): Spicy-Sweet Basil with Warm Cinnamon Notes; Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Thai'): Aromatic Herb for Southeast Asian Cuisine; Pistou Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Pistou'): Compact French Variety for Small Spaces; Marseillais Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Marseillais'): French Heirloom with Large, Sweet Leaves; Basil 'Ararat' (Ocimum basilicum 'Ararat'): Striking Purple-Green Variegated Foliage

Garden Articles

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Purple Basil 'Purple Delight' (Ocimum basilicum 'Purple Delight'): Rich Purple Foliage for Color and Flavor

Sweet Genovese Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Sweet Genovese'): The Classic Italian Basil for Pesto Perfection

Mini Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Mini Purple'): Compact Ornamental Edible for Containers

Growing Basil: Essential Tips for a Bountiful Harvest

Basil (Ocimum basilicum): The King of Culinary Herbs

Plants

African Blue Basil (Ocimum 'African Blue'): Ornamental Perennial Basil for Pollinators

Dark Opal Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Purpurascens'): Deep Purple Foliage for Ornamental and Culinary Use

Lemon Basil 'Sweet Dani': A Fragrant Culinary Herb

Lemon Basil 'Mrs. Burns' (Ocimum basilicum 'Mrs. Burns'): Heirloom Lemon Basil

Variegated Basil 'Pesto Perpetuo' (Ocimum × citriodorum 'Pesto Perpetuo'): Non-Flowering, Columnar Basil for Continuous Harvest

Italian Large Leaf Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Italian Large Leaf'): Classic Sweet Basil for Pesto and Sauces

Growing Basil (Ocimum basilicum)