Maturity is in 35-40 days after sowing.

Sweet Basil is a tender low-growing herb that is grown as a perennial in warm, tropical climates. It grows to between 20–60 cm tall, with opposite, light green, silky leaves 1.5–5 cm long and 1–3 cm broad. The flowers are quite big, white in color and arranged in a terminal spike. Unusual among Lamiaceae, the four stamens and the pistil are not pushed under the upper lip of the corolla, but lay over the inferior. After entomophilous pollination, the corolla falls off and four round achenes develop inside the bilabiate calyx. The plant tastes somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, sweet smell. Sweet Basil is very sensitive to cold, with best growth in hot, dry conditions.