Description
Aka Vanilla basil. The genus Ocimum, a name derived from the Greek word “to be fragrant” does not disappoint. Its sweet vanilla scent is not very subtle. Perhaps not a good substitute for the classic Italian basil for pesto, its use in tea, syrups, cordials, soaps, baking, potpourri, bath bombs and much more. The whole house smelled of sweet vanilla when we hung the seed heads to dry. Known to be a medicinal in its native Africa.
Honeybees and a plethora of native bees flocked to its purple-pink elongated flower heads. I might plant mini field of this just as an experiment next year and discover what the honey tastes like. There’s a vanilla syrup we use on the odd occasion in our coffee. I’m curious if a syrup made from this basil would be an economical substitute. And for baking as well.
Here is an in-depth scientific article of its therapeutic and potential medical benefits https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667031323000295
- Seed Count: +150
- Collection Date: Sept 2024
- Hardiness Zone: annual
- Height and Width: 45cm x 45cm
- Germination test type: hand sort; germination 90%
How to grow Ocimum (basil) from seed:
Germination WILL NOT happen at temps less than 10C. Use a well draining humus rich soil/medium. Optimum germination temp 15C. Sow, mist well. Keep moist and warm. A clear plastic cover will improve success. Transplant at 4 true leaf stage into individual pots and grow on. Can be directly sowed, but do so only after night time temps are reliably above 10C (50F) otherwise your seeds will sit there. Have you ever seen basil reseed itself? Neither have I, so wait until night temps are above 10C. We found direct seeding basil the best method when night time temps are reliably above 10C. Surface sow, water, wait for the seed coat to swell and turn blue. Cover to 4mm. Water in well. Keep moist. Germinates readily at +20C. Don’t let the basil bed dry out for the best lush basil ever.
