Comparing Basil varieties — notes from growing several

I've grown several varieties within the Basil family and have some observations to share. fast growing from seed or small plug plant varies noticeably between them, more than catalogue descriptions suggest. The care fundamentals are shared — planting in free-draining soil in the sunniest spot applies across all of them.

powdery mildew on basil in cool damp conditions affects some more than others, particularly in adverse conditions. I grow mine in a terracotta pot collection on a sunny patio which works well for most varieties. sowing and planting out after last frost in spring is the clearest moment of differentiation between varieties — that's when the character of each comes through. Worth growing a few side by side if you have the space.