Side by side
Pick two or three seeds to see how they grow, side by side: sprouting, spacing, sun, water, frost and pet safety in one table.
Comparing Genovese Basil vs. Purple Basil
The comparison
| Fact | | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Life cycle | Not yet verified | Annual |
| Germination time | 10–14 days | 5–7 days |
| Germination temperature | 24–29 °C75–84 °F | 18–21 °C64–70 °F |
| Sowing depth | 3 mm⅛ in | 6 mm¼ in |
| Spacing between plants | 30 cm12 in | 30 cm12 in |
| Sun | Full sun | Full sun |
| Containers | Yes | Yes |
| Frost tolerance | Tender (no frost) | Tender (no frost) |
| Toxicity to cats | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Toxicity to dogs | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Links |
Up close
What each one is, in a few lines, with the full growing guide one click away.
HerbsOcimum basilicum
Genovese basil is a sweet basil cultivar grown from seed after frost danger has passed, in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It is easy for beginners and does well in containers.
How to grow genovese basilHerbsOcimum basilicum
Purple basil is a purple-leaved form of sweet basil that is grown from seed in full sun and warmth. It is a tender annual that suits containers and is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
How to grow purple basilKeep comparing
Add a third seed, or swap one for a close relative from the same category.
Genovese Basil vs. Purple Basil vs. BasilAdd basil as a third
Genovese Basil vs. Purple Basil vs. Bee BalmAdd bee balm as a third
Genovese Basil vs. Purple Basil vs. BorageAdd borage as a thirdGenovese Basil vs. BasilGenovese Basil against another herbPurple Basil vs. BasilPurple Basil against another herbGenovese Basil vs. Bee BalmGenovese Basil against another herbThe table, row by row
Every row is a fact from each seed's own profile, lined up so the differences stand out.
Germination time and temperature
How many days the seeds take to sprout, and the temperature range they sprout in.
Sowing depth and spacing
How deep to sow each seed and how far apart the plants should grow. “On the surface” means the seed isn't covered.
Days to maturity and life cycle
How long until the plant is ready, counted from sowing or from transplanting (each value says which). Annuals live one year, biennials two, perennials longer.
Sun and water
Full sun means 6 or more hours of direct sun a day, partial shade a few hours. Water needs are rated low, moderate or high.
Containers, frost tolerance and soil pH
Whether it grows in a pot, with the smallest pot when it's known. Frost tolerance runs from tender (no frost) to hardy. Soil pH 7 is neutral.
Toxicity to cats and dogs
Whether the plant is toxic to cats and dogs.
Quick wins
Days from sowing until the first shoots appear, in good conditions.
Pet friendly
Listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Each seed's page has the details.
Not safe for pets: borage, buckwheat, caraway, carnation and 14 more.
Comparing
Each seed's page explains how to grow it from seed, with facts researched and reviewed by our editors.
