The appearance of the leaves is another way to easily identify the basil plant. Basil leaves are solid and oblong with a point at the end. The leaves of common sweet basil have a glossy green appearance and grow between 2 and 4 inches long.

How do I identify a basil seedling?

The appearance of the leaves is another way to easily identify the basil plant. Basil leaves are solid and oblong with a point at the end. The leaves of common sweet basil have a glossy green appearance and grow between 2 and 4 inches long.

What does basil look like when it first starts growing?

What Does Basil Look Like When It Sprouts? The first two leaves that grow are called the “seed leaves” (aka: cotyledons). Those look like two half circles on either side of the stem. All of the leaves that grow after the first two are called the “true leaves”.