Evaluation of the Ornamental Potential of Basil Grown in Field in the Federal District

Basil is commonly known and cultivated as a spicy and aromatic plant. However, ornamental use is possible in landscape projects. The advancement of new technologies highlighted the production of ornamental plants in Brazil, and among these stands are basil, a species commonly known for its spicy and aromatic properties. Nonetheless, with the increase in the demand for plants with multiple functions in the ornamental plant market, more studies are needed to evaluate the potential of this species. This work evaluated phenotypic characteristics to promote studies and elaborate technical manuals on growing basil for ornamental use. Therefore, an experiment was carried out at the Agua Limpa Farm (FAL) of the University of Brasilia (UnB), located in the Federal District, Brazil. Two genotypes were cultivated, Folha Fina (thin-leaf) and Folha Larga (broad-leaf) from Topseed Garden®, and the following characteristics were evaluated- canopy shape, leaf texture, stem, inflorescence, flower and leaf color, and leaf gloss. The evaluated genotypes did not show significant differences in stem (green), inflorescence (green), and flower colors (white). However, they showed differences in leaf color, with dark green leaves and thin, light green leaves. Both basil genotypes (Ocimum basilicum L.) have ornamental potential due to their favorable phenotype characteristics.