Growing African downcast basil ( Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum ‘ Dark Opal ’ ) can be a rewarding experience for gardener looking to tot a unparalleled and visually prominent herbaceous plant to their garden . This herb is well grown in warm and frost - costless climates , typically suit for USDA hardiness zones 9 - 11 . It need a location with full sun or partial shade and well - run out stain . In this article , we ’ll take a deep dive into all things African Blue Basil !
What is African Blue Basil?
African gamey basil ( Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum ‘ Dark Opal ’ ) is a unparalleled and visually salient cultivar of basil . It is a intercrossed miscellany that resulted from a cross between two basil species : Ocimum kilimandscharicum ( Camphor basil ) and Ocimum basilicum ( Sweet basil ) .
This herbaceous plant is known for its ornamental appeal , sport beautiful regal - tinged leaves with a glossy appearing . The leave are expectant and more elongated compare to traditional sweet basil varieties . The plant itself can grow up to 2 - 3 feet marvelous , creating an impressive mien in the garden .
While African blue basil is primarily grown for its attractive leafage , it also produces small , delicate lavender - pinkish flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterfly . The flower add up an additional touch of sweetheart to the plant .
Flavor and uses
In terms of fragrance and flavor , African gentle Basil of Caesarea offers a slightly milder and more insidious taste compared to traditional sweet basil . It has a pleasant Basil of Caesarea scent with hints of camphor and mint . While it is worthy for culinary habit , its tang profile may be less intense than other basil diverseness .
Beyond its aesthetic appeal , this herb is also know for its possible medicinal property . It contains higher spirit level of rosmarinic acid and other compound , which are believed to have antioxidant and anti - inflammatory force .
Whether grown for its salient appearance , its modest flavor , or its potential health benefits , it is a captivating and singular increase to herbaceous plant gardens and landscape .
Where does African Blue Basil grow?
African racy basil is not a naturally occurring plant in the wilderness , so it does not have a specific native region . It is a hybrid smorgasbord that was train through selective breeding and cross - pollination of different St. Basil the Great species .
In terms of hardiness zone , this herb is generally spring up as an yearly or tender perennial . It is well fit for USDA hardiness zone 9 - 11 , where the climate is tender and hoar - free . In these zone , African blue basil can thrive and potentially do as a repeated , add up back year after year .
In colder region with harsh winters , this herb is typically treated as an annual . gardener in these areas can enjoy its lulu and culinary use during the warm months by planting it as a seasonal herbaceous plant and start fresh each twelvemonth . Alternatively , it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during colder seasons to protect it from Robert Lee Frost .
How to grow African Blue Basil
Growing African dispirited basil ( Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum ‘ Dark Opal ’ ) command attention to its specific develop condition . Here ’s a stone’s throw - by - step scout on how to successfully cultivate this herb :
By following these guideline and put up right care , you may revel the beauty and flavor of African blue Basil of Caesarea in your garden . Experiment with using its aromatic folio in culinary creative activity or just appreciate its ornamental appeal in your out-of-door place .
