Can you grow African blue basil from seed?
By Sarah Smith
Can you grow African blue basil from seed?
African blue basil plants are sterile, unable to produce seeds of their own, and can only be propagated by cuttings. This particular breed of basil has a strong camphor scent, inherited from Ocimum kilimandscharicum (camphor basil), its East African parent.
How do you grow African blue basil?
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.
What can I do with African blue basil?
African Blue basil is best suited as a fresh flavoring or finishing garnish. The leaves are popularly blended into pesto, chimichurri sauce, salad dressings, and dips, or they are sprinkled over soups, tossed into salads, or layered over bruschetta.
Is African blue basil cold hardy?
African Blue Basil also grows very well in a container. It is an extremely drought-tolerant herb. It will do fine in sun or partial shade, but should get at least 2 to 3 hours of sun per day. This is one of the most cold tolerant of all basil varieties.
How long does African blue basil take to grow?
Keep all of the pots watered and in the sun for 1-2 weeks in which time they should become established and grow new roots. If, however, you live in a high temp zone – be gentle with your Basil babies and bring them inside after a couple of hours in the sun until they are really established.
Is African blue basil a perennial?
For those who’ve never heard of African blue basil, let me explain a bit about it. A hybrid variety created by crossing camphor basil and dark opal basil, it is grown as a perennial in climates much warmer than ours. But even in Minnesota, plants can easily grow to 3 feet tall over the summer.
Why is my African blue basil dying?
Most wilt issues occur because of improper watering. Basil requires evenly moist soil and quickly begins to wilt if the soil dries. Providing 1 inch of water once or twice weekly is sufficient for most garden plants, although they may require more frequent watering if the top inch of soil dries.
Do butterflies like African blue basil?
African Blue basil is a relatively new plant and came into being by accident. The spicy fragrance of the plant has hints of camphor, which comes from its camphor basil parent. The herb also attracts honeybees and butterflies. Like many other types of basil, you can use the plant for cooking.
Is African blue basil good for bees?
As well as being beneficial for native bees and other pollinators, African blue basil and anise hyssop are very easy to grow – no special herb garden necessary. You can plant them in the existing landscape, mixed with other native wildflowers and ornamentals, or you can plant them in a pot.
What grows well with African blue basil?
The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall. African Blue basil is a good companion plant for tomatoes and peppers. It enhances the flavor of other vegetables.
Is African blue basil drought tolerant?
African Basil can be grown in containers, but remember it can get big so choose a container large enough to accommodate it. It is pretty drought tolerant and the stems form beautiful dark purple buds which open into light purple/lilac-colored flowers which act as huge pollinator magnets!
