Is African blue basil a perennial?

African Blue Basil. One of my favorite herbs sits in my perennial herb bed, and it's a basil. Yep, a perennial basil. African Blue basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum x basilicum “Dark Opal”) is a sterile hybrid of an East African camphor basil and a standard garden variety called Dark Opal.

Furthermore, can you eat African blue basil?

African blue basil is not only ornamental, it also attracts honeybees and beneficial insects, and its flowers and leaves are edible. African blue basil is not only ornamental, it also attracts honeybees and beneficial insects, and its flowers and leaves are edible.

Also, how do you propagate African blue basil? Cut about ¼ inch below a node and pinch off all the leaves up the stem for 4 to 6 inches. Trim off any flower blossoms as well (save those for sprinkling on your lunch or dinner). Above is a photo of the trimmed cuttings. Next, place the cuttings in a glass vase or jar w/ fresh clean water up to the rim.

Also, how do you care for 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 does African basil taste like?

The stems are somewhat fuzzy and the plant itself is far bushier than the common garden variety basil. From its East African parent, African Blue basil has a mellow camphor (or clove-like) taste and smell. The flowers of the African Blue basil plant are a deep purple with lilac blooms.

Can you eat perennial basil?

Perennial Basil as Edible Plant The taste of Perennial Basil is similar to Sweet Basil, but with a stronger, more spicy flavour. Younger leaves have the best flavour, and can be harvested at any time. The good thing about the Perennial Basil is that it can be harvested year round, whereas Sweet Basil is seasonal.

What is clove basil?

Clove basil is an aromatic perennial herb that is botanically classified as Ocimum gratissimum with two other synonyms, Ocimum viride, and Ocimum suave. It may also be commonly referred to as African basil, Himalayan basil, Tree basil and East Indian basil.

What is the common name of Ocimum Gratissimum?

African basil

Does basil die after it flowers?

Yes, basil plants die once they flower, but they also produce seed which germinates again.

How do you start basil seeds?

Sowing Seed Indoors:

1. Sow basil seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in spring using a seed starting kit.
2. Sow seeds ¼ inches deep in seed-starting formula.
3. Keep the soil moist at 70 degrees F.
4. Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days.