Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Cinnamon Basil is an aromatic and easy to grow herb that tolerates being grown in large pots as well garden beds. This plant is great for beginner gardeners as it is very low maintenance and can be used in a variety of different applications. The leaves, stem and flowers have a strong cinnamon scent, and the leaves have a sweet and slightly spicy flavor. You can use the leaves fresh or dried for flavoring meals, adding to smoothies, garnishes, or potpourri. The flowers and leaves also make a wonderful addition to flower arrangements as a fragrant greenery.
NAME: Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
VARIETY: Cinnamon
DAYS TO MATURITY: 60 – 80 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Annual
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 12
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Partial Sun
SOIL: Well-draining soil with a pH 6.2 – 7.0
SPACING: 8 – 16 inches
PLANT HEIGHT: 12 – 24 inches
TEMP: 55 – 95ºF
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Sow seeds indoors 2 weeks before your last local spring frost
You can sow into small or large pots; the seedlings can remain in larger pots for their entire life if you choose
You can also sow in cell trays to transplant outside later
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting soil mix, keeping the soil moist and ensuring ambient temps are around 70°F
Germination will occur in 7 to 14 days
When seedlings emerge, thin to one seedling per cell or several seedlings per large pot
As soon as the seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow 3 to 4 inches beneath fluorescent/LED plant lights turned on 15 hours per day, off for 9 hours at night, raising the light with growth
Before planting outside make sure soil temps are at least 55°F and ambient temps don’t fall below 60°F, basil seedlings are sensitive to cold temperatures.
You will also need to first harden off the seedlings for several days. Do this by taking them outside during the day and bringing them in at night (Outside temps should be above 50°F when you start this process)
Direct sow seeds outdoors once ambient temps stay above 60°F during the day and night; soil temp should be 55°F or higher (Minor temperature fluctuations are okay)
Sow seeds 2 inches apart and cover with 1/4 inch of fine soil; press soil down lightly and water them in generously; seedlings will emerge in 7 to 14 days (Warmer soil temps germinate the seeds quicker)
When seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin to 8 inches apart; this will allow enough space for each plant to grow
It is important to keep the soil continuously moist until the sprouts get to be 1 inch tall
Cinnamon Basil prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth.
Fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea every 4-6 weeks to promote healthy growth.
Pinch back the growing tips of the plants regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent them from becoming leggy.
Monitor for pests such as aphids or spider mites, and treat as needed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Cinnamon Basil can be grown as an annual in most climates, but in warmer regions, it may behave as a perennial.
Harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season, but avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time to ensure continued growth.
Harvest Cinnamon Basil leaves when they are young and tender, typically before the plant begins to flower for the best flavor.
Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off individual leaves or harvest entire stems as needed.
Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more leaves and prolongs the harvest period.
Harvested leaves can be used fresh or dried for later use. To dry, hang bundles of stems upside down in a warm, well-ventilated area until completely dry, then store in an airtight container.
