Ocimum ‘African Blue’ (African Blue Basil)

Prized for its showy leaves and eye-catching flowers, which easily attract pollinators, Ocimum ‘African Blue’ (African Blue Basil) is an upright, short-lived perennial with broad, smooth, dark green leaves, flushed purple when young. The leaves are crisp, with an earthy flavor, with notes of menthol, musk, and cloves. In summer, attractive spikes of purple-pink flowers are borne on purple stems. When in bloom, African Blue basil has a pungent, camphor-like aroma. African blue basil is a sterile hybrid, resulting from a cross between Ocimum kilimandscharicum, a camphor basil native to East Africa, and a cultivar of Ocimum basilicum, ‘Dark Opal’. Since the plant is sterile and does not produce seeds, it stays in bloom for a longer season, attracting pollinators and creating a pleasing floral display in the garden. Primarily grown as an ornamental, African Blue Basil is also edible: all parts of the plant (stems, flowers, and leaves) are incorporated by home chefs into a wide range of culinary applications.

• Grows up to 24-36 in. tall and wide (60-90 cm).
• Performs best in light, well-drained, fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Water freely in summer. Some partial shade is tolerated in the afternoons in hot climates.
• Heat tolerant, African Blue Basil is a perennial in zone 10 and higher but can be grown as an annual in cooler climates with warm summers.
• African blue basil grows extremely well both indoors and outdoors. In the landscape, plant it in a container, herb garden, or pollinator garden.
• Cut back after flowering.
• Keep an eye out for leafhoppers, aphids, slugs, snails, and powdery mildews.
• Since African Blue Basil does not produce seed, no need to pinch out its flower heads.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings.