Annual herb of the mint family, grown for its aromatic leaves. Basil leaves are renowned for their medicinal properties as well as for their culinary properties. It’s so awesome to be able to walk out the back door and harvest garden fresh basil leaves for cooking. Basil is ready to start harvesting in about 60 to 90 days, from seed. Frequent harvesting or pinching of the leaves will keep your basil plants producing fresh leaves longer.