Description

An enchanting variety with an unmistakable sweet-anise aroma, Ocimum basilicum ‘Licorice’ brings a refreshing twist to the basil family. Its flavor combines the smooth sweetness of Genovese basil with the clean, cooling undertone of anise and tarragon—delicate yet deeply aromatic. The light green leaves are narrow and slightly serrated, held on graceful purple-tinged stems that add ornamental beauty to the herb garden.

Plants reach 18–24 inches tall with a full, upright habit and soft lavender blooms that draw pollinators through midsummer. The flavor holds beautifully when cooked, lending itself to seafood dishes, fruit salads, teas, and desserts where its subtle sweetness shines.

Believed to trace its lineage to the Persian and Indian basils, Licorice basil carries centuries of cultivation and trade within its scent. It remains a favorite for gardeners and chefs who seek the familiar warmth of basil with a sophisticated, aromatic edge.