Basil African Blue

This is a perennial variety with a woody stem that forms a sturdy bush 50–100 cm tall. Compared to classic annual basils, it has attractive wine-purple leaves and a more distinct, spicy aroma with a slight camphor note.

As this specific variety is a sterile hybrid, it does not produce viable seeds. It definitely cannot be grown from sowing. The only reliable way to propagate this perennial basil at home is by cuttings. Simply cut a young shoot and let it root in a glass of water or in a light substrate.

Basil requires well-drained soil. If you are growing it in a pot, we recommend using high-quality potting soil mixed with a little sand or fine gravel for better drainage. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged roots.

You can encourage branching and a beautifully compact growth habit by regular pinching. Do not be afraid to pinch off the top shoots throughout the season and trim away old flowers as well. This will force the plant to continuously produce new side branches.

Basil needs regular and generous watering, especially in the summer months when grown outdoors in direct sunlight. However, the substrate should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Be careful not to overwater during the winter or when using containers without drainage holes.

Before the first autumn frosts arrive, move it to a bright and cooler spot in the house, such as a hallway or winter garden, where the temperature is ideally around 12 °C. Significantly reduce watering during the winter and do not fertilize the plant at all.

Unfortunately no, 'African Blue' basil comes from warmer regions and cannot withstand winter frosts in our climate (its frost hardiness is down to 0 °C, zone 10a). It is therefore ideal to grow it as a container plant. You can move it outdoors in May and safely bring it back inside in the autumn.

Definitely. The beautiful dark green and wine-colored leaves with purple flowers look amazing in summer bouquets, adding an unusual texture and fragrance. Furthermore, it retains its wonderful aroma even after drying, making it perfect for floral arrangements or potpourri.

You can continuously harvest leaves and small shoots throughout the entire growing season as you cook. The best technique is to pinch the tops of the stems just above a pair of healthy leaves, which also helps the plant to become even bushier.

Absolutely! 'African Blue' basil is a renowned magnet for pollinators. Throughout the summer, its nectar will constantly attract bees, bumblebees, and colorful butterflies, wonderfully enlivening your entire garden space.

Yes, it is fully edible! Its leaves are perfect for salads, pasta dishes, meat, and even for making unique homemade pesto. Its flavor is slightly spicier and more camphor-like than sweet basil, which adds an interesting character to your dishes. It is also great for herbal teas.

This variety is very decorative throughout the summer. From June to September, beautiful spikes of lilac and light purple flowers form on the stems, complementing the plant's overall purplish tone.

Growing this variety is easy even for complete beginners. It is an exceptionally hardy plant, and a huge advantage is that it does not suffer from common diseases in our conditions and is avoided by pests. It is thus almost maintenance-free.

Since it grows into a bushy shrub, we recommend maintaining a spacing of approximately 50 cm when planting. The ideal planting density is about 4 plants per square meter.

This herb loves full sun. Choose the sunniest spot in your garden, on your balcony, or on your terrace. The more sun it receives, the better it will develop its purple hues, and the more intense its aroma will be.

This could be a result of excessive heat, lack of sunlight, or frequent overwatering. If you keep it in an overheated living room during the winter, it can quickly become exhausted. We recommend keeping it in a very bright, but cooler room (around 12 °C) and watering it only sparingly. A mild loss of older leaves during the winter is natural, however.