Ocimum basilicum
Cinnamon basil is a narrower-leafed variety that's known for its darker color and spicy, cinnamon-like aroma and taste. It also boasts distinctive cinnamon-colored stems. It goes beautifully with fruit, Asian dishes and makes a nice cup of tea - use just dried Cinnamon Basil leaves or mix it with other herbs.
Sprout within: 7-14 days
Harvest in: 35 - 84 days
Temperatures: 18 - 30 °C / 64 - 86 °F
- Cinnamon Basil is not heat sensitive and grows best at 18 - 30 °C / 64 - 86 °F.
- Cinnamon Basil likes to be cut! You can start trimming your plants in about one month after planting. You may remove single leaves occasionally. But, for more thriving growth, pinching off the whole tip is recommended - it will grow two new shoots in a week.
- Cutting and pruning your plant will also delay its flowering.
- When Basil starts to flower, the taste changes - for some people it will be too bitter. It is up to you - if you want to see your Basil flower and produce seeds, don’t cut your plant. If you like to keep using the leaves, cut the plant strongly back.
- Guide to pruning can be found here.
- Do notice that basil is an annual plant, and does not last forever. If your basil is older than 70 days, it has most likely reached the end of its life cycle and will need to be replaced.