Ocimum basilicum (Cinnamon Basil) is a culinary herb that is native to northern Africa, southern Europe and Asia. Cinnamon Basil contains methyl cinnamate which gives it the flavour of cinnamon and the benefits of basil. Like traditional Basil, it is a great companion plant, is highly medicinal and this variety adds an extra aromatic smell to the garden.
Suitable for Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Cinnamon Basil at home is ideal for making your own cinnamon-scented pesto, salads and is baked into pies and biscuits.
For the popular Sweet Genova Basil used on pizzas please click here OR to view our full range of herbs click here.
Growth
Ocimum basilicum is a culinary herb that grows to a maximum height of 70cm (2 feet) by a width of 30cm (12 inches). They enjoy full sun, warm climates and do well growing in containers. Cinnamon Basil makes an excellent companion plant for tomatoes, chilli, dill, parsley and asparagus and also works to repel unwanted insects such as mosquitos, beetles, hornworms and thrips.
Cinnamon Basil can be grown in temperate regions if they are protected from any late frosts and avoid temperatures that drop below 10°C / 86°F. In greenhouses or tropical areas, the plant can grow as a perennial.
If kept in full sun, with regular moisture it can take around 90-110 days for the leaves to reach a harvestable age.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10-40°C / 50-104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 70cm (2 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 30cm (12 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Biennial/Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
90-110 days
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 18-30°C / 65-95°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1400
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT OCIMUM BASILICUM (Cinnamon Basil)
Cinnamon Basil was apparently grown in an experiment in low Earth orbit on the International Space Station by the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
The most common uses for Cinnamon Basil is for teas, baked goods, pastas, jellies, vinegars and in salads. It is also used in dried arrangements and potpourri.
As an essential oil the original Basil is used to treat medical ailments such as diabetes, fevers, liver and to assist with pain relief and boosting the immune system.
For more information regarding the health benefits of Basil click here.
