Basil The Kitchen Minis™ Bonsai | Ocimum basilicum | Compact Greek Basil

The Kitchen Minis™ Bonsai is an exceptionally compact, fine-leaf Greek basil created especially for growing in small pots. It forms a neat, rounded mound of tiny aromatic green leaves and reaches only 15–30 cm in height and width, making it an excellent choice for sunny windowsills, kitchen counters, balconies and small-space gardens.

The small leaves are one of the biggest advantages of Bonsai – there is no need to chop them before use. Simply pick the tiny leaves or tender tips and sprinkle them directly over your favourite dishes.

Fast-growing, uniform and highly productive for its size, Bonsai makes it possible to enjoy fresh homegrown basil even without a garden.

Plant Information

• Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum
• Common Name: Basil
• Variety: The Kitchen Minis™ Bonsai
• Herb Type: Greek Basil
• Life Cycle: Annual
• Flavour: Aromatic, classic sweet basil flavour
• Leaf Colour: Medium Green
• Leaves: Very small, fine and aromatic
• Plant Habit: Compact, rounded & mounded
• Height: approx. 15–30 cm
• Width: approx. 15–30 cm
• Exposure: Full Sun
• Seed Form: Raw Seed
• Recommended Pot Size: approx. 10–15 cm
• Germination: approx. 2–4 days
• Plug Crop Time: approx. 3–5 weeks
• Days to Maturity: approx. 35–56 days from sowing
• Potting to Finish: approx. 3–5 weeks depending on pot size
• Best For: Pots, windowsills, kitchen counters, balconies & fresh culinary use

Tiny Leaves – No Chopping Required

What makes Bonsai different from traditional large-leaved basil varieties is its abundance of tiny, fine leaves.

The leaves are small enough to use whole, so there is no need to chop them before adding them to food. Simply harvest and sprinkle them directly over your dish.

They are excellent for:

• Pasta
• Pizza
• Tomato dishes
• Soups
• Salads
• Sauces
• Dressings
• Garnishing finished dishes

The small leaves are particularly convenient when only a little fresh basil is needed at a time.

Perfect Basil for a Sunny Windowsill

The Kitchen Minis™ collection was developed to make it possible to grow fresh edible plants even without a traditional garden.

Bonsai is particularly suitable for a sunny kitchen windowsill or countertop, where fresh leaves can be harvested whenever they are needed.

Its naturally compact growth means it can be grown successfully in pots as small as approximately 10 cm in diameter.

It is an excellent choice for:

• Kitchen windowsills
• Sunny indoor spaces
• Balconies
• Terraces
• Small gardens
• Container herb gardens

For the most compact and dense growth, provide as much light as possible.

Compact, Rounded Growth

Bonsai is very different in appearance from traditional tall basil.

It naturally forms a small, dense and rounded mound of foliage, reaching only around 15–30 cm in height and width.

Its numerous tiny leaves create an attractive miniature basil plant that is both edible and decorative.

Because of its compact habit, it requires very little growing space and is an excellent choice where larger basil varieties would simply be too big.

Fast-Growing Basil

Bonsai is a relatively quick-growing basil and can provide fresh leaves surprisingly soon after sowing.

Depending on growing conditions and how the plants are produced, the first harvest can begin approximately 5–8 weeks from sowing.

Warmer temperatures, strong light and good growing conditions generally result in faster development.

Sowing & Germination

Bonsai can be started in plug trays or sown directly into the final pot, making it especially convenient for home growing.

For a naturally full and dense plant, multiple seeds are sown together.

• Seed Form: Raw Seed
• Seeds per Cell: approx. 6–10
• Cover Seed: Yes
• Germination Temperature: approx. 20–23°C
• Germination: approx. 2–4 days
• Plug Crop Time: approx. 3–5 weeks

Sow into fine, moist seed-starting compost and lightly cover the seeds. Keep the growing medium evenly moist during germination without allowing it to become waterlogged.

For home growing, the seeds can also be sown directly into a 10–15 cm pot.

Growing in Pots

Bonsai was specifically selected for excellent performance in small containers.

Recommended pot sizes are approximately:

10–15 cm in diameter.

Place the pot in a warm, sunny location. Strong light is particularly important for maintaining the naturally compact and dense shape of the plant.

Water regularly, allowing excess water to drain freely. Avoid leaving the pot standing permanently in water.

When grown indoors, choose the brightest sunny windowsill available.

Growing Outdoors

Bonsai can also be grown outdoors during warm weather.

Like other basil varieties, it is sensitive to cold and frost. Move plants outdoors only when the risk of frost has passed and temperatures are reliably warm.

It performs well in:

• Pots
• Balcony boxes
• Raised beds
• Herb gardens
• Small garden spaces

Harvesting Bonsai Basil

Harvest individual leaves or tender shoot tips whenever needed.

Regular harvesting encourages fresh new growth and helps keep the plant dense and productive.

Because the leaves are naturally very small, they can be used whole without chopping – simply harvest, rinse if necessary and add directly to your dish.

When Can I Start Harvesting?

Under good growing conditions, the first leaves can be ready to harvest approximately:

5–8 weeks from sowing.

There is no need to wait until the plant reaches its mature size. Light harvesting can begin once the plant is well established and has developed plenty of healthy leaves.

Regular light harvesting is ideal for maintaining a continuous supply of fresh basil.

Why Choose The Kitchen Minis™ Bonsai?

• Compact Greek basil
• Naturally small, fine leaves
• No chopping required
• Fast-growing and uniform
• Attractive rounded, mounded habit
• Only about 15–30 cm tall and wide
• Excellent for small pots
• Recommended pot size only 10–15 cm
• Perfect for a sunny kitchen windowsill
• Suitable for balconies and terraces
• Can be grown even without a garden
• Fresh basil available directly from the kitchen
• Ideal for regular small harvests
• Excellent for pasta, pizza, salads, sauces and garnishing
• Can be direct sown into the final container
• Easy and enjoyable edible plant for small spaces

The Kitchen Minis™ Bonsai is the perfect basil for anyone who wants fresh homegrown herbs but has limited growing space. Its miniature rounded habit, abundance of tiny aromatic leaves and suitability for pots as small as 10 cm make it ideal for sunny windowsills, kitchen counters, balconies and small gardens. Pick the tiny leaves as needed and use them whole – fresh basil can be just a few steps away.