Check out this website http://www.floridata.com/ref/O/ocim_bas.cfm which states:

Basil is easy to raise and fast growing too.
Light: Full sun or, in very hot climates, light, partial shade.
Moisture: Basil likes a well-drained soil and regular watering. It appreciates a good mulch covering over the roots.
Hardiness: Basil is a tender annual and cannot tolerate frost. It sometimes seems like the leaves turn black if frost is just in the forecast! If it doesn't get frosted, basil sometimes will live for two years.

I'm zone 9, Houston. Honestly, its really, really hard to screw up. Make sure it gets water and sun and you're good to go. A well draining soil will give you even better yields. Pinch off the flowers as soon as they appear if you're growing it for the leaves.. this encourages bushiness and more foliage growth, and retards the bitter compounds common to plants that have "gone to seed". If you're growing it ornamentally, leave the flowers alone - they are beautiful.