African Blue Basil Care How To Grow African Basil Plants

African blue basil care requires the best conditions; full sun, loamy soil that is rich in nutrients and well-drained, and moderate humidity and soil moisture. This plant can become invasive and spread rapidly in disturbed areas. Take care if growing outside in a region where the conditions are right for it to thrive.

How do you grow African blue basil?

Care and Growth

You can only propagate African Blue basil via cuttings because it does not form seeds. The sterile, fast-growing plant fares best in sunny areas and when planted during the spring to mid-summer in well-drained loam or sand. Plant it in gardens or in containers that are at least 10 to 12 inches wide.

What can I do with African blue basil?

All parts of the flower, leaves and stems are edible; although some might find the camphor scent too strong for use in the kitchen, the herb reportedly yields a tasty pesto with a "rich, mellow flavor" and can be used as a seasoning in soups and salads, particularly those featuring tomato, green beans, chicken, etc.

Does basil plant like sun or shade?

Prep. Basil is a tropical herb, and plants need sun and heat to thrive. Give it a spot that receives six to eight hours of sun daily, except in the South and Southwest, where afternoon shade is a must. Basil needs moist, nutrient-rich soil that drains well.

Are used coffee grounds good for basil plants?

Coffee grounds do have a place in the growth of basil. You just have to be careful when you use it. We know that basil likes soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. ... It's best to use compost that has coffee grounds in it rather than incorporate them directly into the soil.

Is perennial basil edible?

The crisp leaves are very aromatic and can be used fresh in salads, added to sauces, soups and pasta. Pink perennial basil (Ocimum basilicum spp.) ... Because the flavour is stronger than sweet basil, the leaves are preferred for cooking, such as in Italian dishes, in robust sauces, soups and stews.

What is blue spice basil?

About Basil 'Blue Spice'

Blue Spice basil plants have small, brilliantly green leaves. When the plants bloom, they produce dense spikes of dark purple bracts with light purple flowers reminiscent of salvia. ... The flavor has the quintessential licorice flavor of sweet basil but with notes of vanilla, spice and lemon.

How do I make my basil bushy?

Here are some tips will help you finally grow the big, bushy basil plants you've always dreamed of!

Keep Them Warm. ...
Ensure Proper Drainage. ...
Keep Soil Moist. ...
Water the Soil Not The Leaves. ...
Let The Sun Shine In. ...
Fertilize Properly. ...
Harvest Early and Often. ...
Prune Like A Pro.

What should I plant next to Basil?

Basil companion planting will help asparagus, beans, beets, cabbage, chili and bell peppers, eggplant, marigolds, oregano, potatoes and tomatoes. Tomatoes benefit from basil companion planting. Growing tomatoes and basil near each other is said to make each crop taste better.

How do you encourage basil to grow?

Basil plants initially grow one central stem. Once they are reach 6-8 inches tall, pinch the central stem back by half and about ¼ inch above the leaf axils. This will force the plants to branch and grow more leaves. As the plants keep sending out new branching stems, continue to pinch them back in the same manner.

What can you spray on basil to keep bugs away?

Spray basil plants thoroughly with insecticidal soap, neem oil or azadirachtin-containing insecticide once a week in the early evening until the Japanese beetles are gone. Concentrate the spray wherever the largest concentration of beetles is located.

What's eating my basil and how do I stop it?

Mix a few tablespoons of liquid dish soap into a gallon of water. Spraying this on the basil leaves gets rid of aphids quickly. After a half hour or so, rinse the soap (and dead aphids) from the plant. Alternatively, use insecticidal soap or buy ladybugs to devour the aphids.

What kills Basil?

Freezing temperatures kill basil. The first sign of cold damage is usually wilted leaves, or leaves that begin to curl and dry around the edges. Plants may survive a light freeze.

What is the difference between basil and Greek basil?

Small leaved Greek basil is the best type for sauces, while the larger fleshy leaves of the popular Italian basil is best for salads and the famous Genoese basil sauce, pesto, which goes especially well with pasta. Sweet Thai basil is a variety widely used in South East Asian cooking.

Is Greek basil a perennial?

So, generally, basil herbs are known to be an annual plant that grows from seed to flower and die within a year. ... But if you reside in the frost-free region, basil can be a perennial herb.

Does purple basil come back every year?

There are a few varieties of purple basil, but all are cultivars of the same basil plant, which is a true annual. Therefore purple basil grows from seed and die again all in one season, and do not return year after year.

How do you use blue spice basil?

Blue Spice basil is most often used raw. It can be chopped fresh and used for salads, marinades, dressings, and dips. Use whole leaves as a garnish or muddle for beverages. Fresh or dried leaves can be used in teas, potpourri or bouquets.

Is cinnamon basil edible?

Cinnamon Basil Information

The spicy herb is appreciated by chefs too, who use it as an attractive garnish or to flavor hot drinks or other dishes.

What types of basil are there?

Does basil regrow after cutting?

from the base of the plant. Leave a few inches of leaves on the plant after pruning. You can be quite aggressive when pruning basil plants since, as already mentioned, they are rapid growers. Even after a major cutting back, the herb will be ready for pruning again in a few weeks.

How long will a basil plant live?

Basil may survive for two years before replanting in warm climates. An indoor basil plant with full sun and steady warm temperatures may last longer as well. Basil plants are sensitive to cold weather and frost.

How do you keep store bought basil alive?

Like a box of instant cake mix, basil plants just need water. Keep the soil of your basil plants slightly moist at all times. Depending on how much sun your basil gets, you might need to water your basil plant every 1-2 days. But make sure that the pot has good drainage, because soggy soil can lead to rotting roots.