I'm growing 3 types. Opal basil, is perfect for Italian cooking. Sprinkle chopped opal basil on pizza crust, or add to homemade pasta sauces. Digenova basil is a basil you can use for any thing: pestos, garnishes etc..

Siam Queen basil, smells like licorice. If does have a kind of anise flavor. It's perfect in Vietnam or Indian flavored dishes.

Just make sure you pinch of your basil flowers once they bloom.

Valentino, African Blue, Sweet, Genovese. I can't really say whether mild or strong but I can say I like to taste basil in my cooking. Not now but have also grown Thai, lemon, cinnamon, and purple. There is a nursery near me whose owner is an herb fan so I try whatever she grows for the season.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Hello! I'm waaay down here in hot, hot Arkansas so I know what you mean with regard to heat, etc....:) I too do not like the licoriceType varieties of Basil.. Be sure to stay away from "Thai" Basil, despite me loving all sorts of Thai food.. This is the main one that is anise/licorice flavored.. I've grown Genovese (my fav for Pesto!), regular Giant Basil that you find all over the place around here for sale, and finally something called Christmas Tree Basil, which was new to me, but once it grows you can see why the name.. Looks like a little Christmas tree, with no anise flavor...:) Hope this helps!

Skyclad - great info! I'm in south central/west OK (luckily, in a little valley rather than out on the dusty plains!) Thanks for the variety suggestions! Anise has it's place (I guess...I'm learning to like it in moderation) but I'm not a fan in basil (that's what tarragon is for??) Thanks again!