Cinnamon Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Tall, fast-growing plants have distinctive violet stems, veining, and flower bracts with lavender blooms and 2" long leaves. Beautiful in casual flower bouquets. Ht. 26-30".Edible Flowers: Use the flowers in any recipe that calls for basil, or to garnish drinks, salads, soups, pasta, and desserts. Flavor is of intense basil with a note of mint, anise, and cinnamon.
Harvest
65d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
10–10
USDA hardiness
Height
0-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Cinnamon Basil in USDA Zone 10
All Zone 10 herb →Zone Map
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Cinnamon Basil · Zones 10–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – April | — | April – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 4 in. - 1 ft. 2 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Leaves and flowers in tea, as flavoring
Storage & Preservation
Fresh cinnamon basil leaves store best at room temperature with stems in water, like cut flowers, lasting 5-7 days. Avoid refrigerating fresh basil as it blackens quickly in cold temperatures. If you must refrigerate, wrap gently in barely damp paper towels and use within 2-3 days.
For drying, hang small bundles of stems in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area until crispy, about 1-2 weeks. The dried leaves retain their cinnamon scent beautifully and work excellently in teas and potpourri.
Freeze whole leaves on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 6 months. Frozen leaves work well in cooked dishes but won't maintain texture for fresh applications. You can also puree leaves with a small amount of oil and freeze in ice cube trays for convenient portion-sized additions to stir-fries and curries.
History & Origin
Origin: Tropical Africa and Asia
Advantages
- +Edible: Leaves and flowers in tea, as flavoring
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Tomatoes
Basil repels hornworms and aphids that commonly attack tomatoes, may enhance tomato flavor
Peppers
Basil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that damage pepper plants
Oregano
Similar growing requirements and mutually beneficial pest deterrent properties
Marigolds
Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects that protect basil
Lettuce
Basil provides light shade for lettuce and repels aphids that damage leafy greens
Carrots
Basil improves soil structure and repels carrot flies and other root pests
Asparagus
Basil repels asparagus beetles and both plants benefit from similar soil conditions
Parsley
Compatible growing conditions and basil attracts beneficial insects that protect parsley
Keep Apart
Rue
Allelopathic compounds inhibit basil growth and development
Sage
Competes for nutrients and may inhibit basil growth through root competition
Thyme
Different watering needs and thyme's aggressive spreading can crowd out basil
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to common basil diseases when grown in proper conditions
Common Pests
Aphids, Japanese beetles, slugs, whiteflies
Diseases
Fusarium wilt, bacterial leaf spot, downy mildew