african blue basil for sale

1. Is African blue basil a perennial?
2. How do you grow African blue basil?
3. How do you care for African blue basil?
4. Does purple basil come back every year?
5. Does basil need direct sunlight?
6. Does basil die after it flowers?
7. Is perennial basil edible?
8. Can you root basil from cuttings?
9. How do you prune a basil plant?
10. Can you eat ornamental basil?
11. How long will a basil plant live?
12. Is purple basil bad for you?
13. What can you use purple basil for?

Is African blue basil a perennial?

For those who've never heard of African blue basil, let me explain a bit about it. A hybrid variety created by crossing camphor basil and dark opal basil, it is grown as a perennial in climates much warmer than ours.

How do you grow 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.

How do you care for African blue basil?

African blue basil care requires the best conditions; full sun, loamy soil that is rich in nutrients and well-drained, and moderate humidity and soil moisture. This plant can become invasive and spread rapidly in disturbed areas. Take care if growing outside in a region where the conditions are right for it to thrive.

Does purple basil come back every year?

There are a few varieties of purple basil, but all are cultivars of the same basil plant, which is a true annual. Therefore purple basil grows from seed and die again all in one season, and do not return year after year.

Does basil need direct sunlight?

Basil thrives in warm temperatures and full morning sun. If you live in an area with scorching midday sun, try to give your basil light shade during the hottest time of day. 2. Amend the garden soil with plenty of organic matter to create a rich, well-draining foundation for your basil.

Does basil die after it flowers?

Your plant will begin flowering and you will get no new leaf growth. Once your plants start flowering, if they are left untrimmed, they will make seeds from the flowers and die soon after.

Is perennial basil edible?

The crisp leaves are very aromatic and can be used fresh in salads, added to sauces, soups and pasta. Pink perennial basil (Ocimum basilicum spp.) ... Because the flavour is stronger than sweet basil, the leaves are preferred for cooking, such as in Italian dishes, in robust sauces, soups and stews.

Can you root basil from cuttings?

It's easy to root basil cuttings in water or potting mix. Expect the cuttings to root in two to four weeks.

How do you prune a basil plant?

Check your basil plants frequently for flowers, and if you see any, pinch them off right away. If the flower stems are too woody to pinch (often the case with Thai basil), cut them off with shears. A plant allowed to flower will soon go to seed, stop growing, and die, so be vigilant about removing flowers.

Can you eat ornamental basil?

The most popular edible basil varieties such as Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) contain pleasing blends of essential oils. Ornamental basils can be, but are not usually, harvested for eating. All basil, especially ornamental basil, is eye appealing and decorative as accents around the yard and garden.

How long will a basil plant live?

Basil may survive for two years before replanting in warm climates. An indoor basil plant with full sun and steady warm temperatures may last longer as well. Basil plants are sensitive to cold weather and frost.

Is purple basil bad for you?

Beyond making a gorgeous statement in your garden, purple basil is also a nutritional powerhouse with vitamins A, C, K, B6, iron, calcium, potassium, and tryptophan. It is anti-inflammatory and nutrient dense, this means it can contribute to a diet which can help you to reduce chronic inflammation.

What can you use purple basil for?

Purple Basil leaves have a beautiful, coppery glow and clove-like, slightly spicy flavour. Use them in salads, for pesto or preserved in oils and vinegars.