More Information
| Botanical Name |
Ocimum basilicum |
| Seeds Per Pack |
50 |
| Life Cycle |
Annual |
| Min. Time to Germinate |
6 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate |
14 Days |
| Depth to Sow Seeds |
Surface Sow; press seeds gently into the soil to make good contact, but do not cover with any additional soil; these seeds require light to germinate |
| When to Sow |
Indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost |
| Growing Height |
24-36 in. (60-90 cm) |
| Plant Spacing |
15-18 in. (38-45 cm) |
| Hardiness |
N/A |
| Sun Exposure |
Full Sun |
| Danger |
N/A |
| Bloom Color |
Purple |
| Bloom Time |
Late Summer/Early Fall, Mid-Summer |
| Foliage |
Aromatic, Grown for Foliage |
| Other Details |
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater |
| Soil pH Requirements |
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic), 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) |
| Propagation Methods |
From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; sow indoors before last frost |
| Seed Collecting |
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds, Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry, Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored |
This is one of the varieties sent to outer space with NASA! Cinnamon-scented plants have purple stalks, pink-purple flowers and glossy dark green leaves. The plants contain the same ingredient as cinnamon: methyl cinnamate. Cinnamon basil works just as well in baked goods as it does in pastas and salads. If you make your own jams, oils, or vinegars, be sure to grow some just for flavoring!
