Green Pepper Basil, Ocimum selloi, herb plant

Even if you don’t want to ever use it, this perennial basil makes a show when flowering. It is a very stiff plant, suitable for holding up other plants in your perennial border. I grow mine in a sunny spot but green pepper basil is also happy with partial shade or shade. The leaves are better if grown with a bit of shade.Our bees and other pollinators love this plant!The flavour and fragrance is similar to green pepper mixed with basil.The plant was discovered in the 1990s in Chiapas, Mexico and was part of the Mayan pharmacopoeia.Green pepper basil is a little bit cold-hardier than other basils. If you grow it in colder climates successfully, please leave a comment below!

🌱 Growing Conditions

This basil thrives in warm weather with full sun and well-drained soil. It prefers regular moisture but dislikes waterlogging. In frost-free areas it can behave like a perennial, while in cooler climates (such as Sydney and Port Stephens) it’s best treated as an annual or protected in pots during winter. Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth and more leaves.

🍴 Flavour Profile & Culinary Uses

As the name suggests, Green Pepper Basil has a distinct peppery bite compared to sweet basil. The flavour is spicy, warm, and slightly sharp, making it excellent for adding depth to stir-fries, salsas, curries, and herb butters. It pairs well with tomatoes, grilled vegetables, and even tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. Fresh leaves are best, though they can also be dried for later use.

🌸 Medicinal Properties

Traditionally, Green Pepper Basil has been used in folk medicine as a digestive aid and to help relieve bloating and indigestion. Like many basils, it contains essential oils with antioxidant and antimicrobial qualities. Its peppery, warming nature is also said to stimulate circulation. While generally safe as a culinary herb, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a varied diet.

✂️ Harvesting

Begin harvesting once the plant reaches around 20–30 cm tall. Pinch off growing tips regularly to encourage more branching and prevent early flowering. Leaves can be picked fresh for cooking or dried in small bunches in a warm, airy spot for winter use.