African blue basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum 'Dark Opal') is a hybrid basil variety, a cross between camphor basil and dark opal basil. It is one of a few types of basil that are perennial. African blue basil plants are sterile, unable to produce seeds of their own, and can only be propagated by cuttings. African blue basil is a sterile hybrid, resulting from a cross between Ocimum kilimandscharicum, a camphor basil native to East Africa, and a cultivar of Ocimum basilicum, 'Dark Opal'.
Deaflora Basilikum African Blue
Botanically speaking, African blue basil belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is a cross between basil ( Ocimum basilicum) and camphor basil ( Ocimumkilimandscharicum ), an African basil plant. With consistent warmth and sun, the plant's stem becomes woody with age and grows up to 1m high and very bushy. African blue basil is a sterile, hybrid, edible herb in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. As noted in its scientific name, it is a cross between Ocimum kilimandscharicum, a camphor basil native to East Africa, and a cultivar of basilicum, 'Dark Opal', also native to Africa and to Southern Asia. African blue basil is a perennial hybrid basil that was created by crossing two basil species. The first species is Ocimum kilimandscharicum, which is also known as 'camphor basil.' While the second species is Ocimum basilicum; this is the same species as the common sweet basil, but it is a different cultivar known as 'dark opal.' African blue basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum 'Dark Opal') is a unique and visually striking cultivar of basil. It is a hybrid variety that resulted from a cross between two basil species: Ocimum kilimandscharicum (Camphor basil) and Ocimum basilicum (Sweet basil).
African Blue Basil Growing Guide The Gourmantic Garden
Also known as clove basil and African basil, the African blue basil plant ( Ocimum gratissimum) is a perennial shrub grown for a hedge or for medicinal and culinary uses. Traditionally, and commercially today, African basil is grown for its oils, which are used in flavorings and insect repellant. About African Basil Plants African Blue Basil thrives in rich and well-draining soil, with a pH that ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. You can use any regular soilless potting mix to grow this herb. Adding compost or plenty of organic matter to the growing medium at the time of planting will help it thrive. A pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is best for it. African Blue basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum x basilicum "Dark Opal") is a sterile hybrid of an East African camphor basil and a standard garden variety called Dark Opal. Propagated only through cuttings, African Blue survived an unusually cold and wet winter outside in my zone 10b (Sunset zone 24). FeaturesThis sterile hybrid Basil is as ornamental as it is useful! The purple-veined, camphor-scented leaves make a nice accent in mixed annual beds or combination container plantings. This variety is particularly good for growing indoors on a sunny windowsill. Both the leaves and flowers make a delightful garnish on the dinner plate. Cut flowers make a delightful addition to fresh bouquets.
Basil 'African Blue' Buy Online at Annie's Annuals
Ideal Climate for Growing African Blue Basil. The best growing climate for African blue basil is subtropical to tropical and the plant enjoys some humidity. So if you live in a climate with temps between 68-95°F (20-35°C), then African blue basil will thrive. Winter temperature dipping below 40°F (4°C) is getting too cold for African blue. African blue basil is a hybrid plant in the lamiaceae family made by crossing East African camphor basil and a varietal of purple sweet basil called Dark Opal Basil. Its Latin name is Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum 'Dark Opal'. African blue basil plants exude a strong camphor scent.
Description. African blue basil, Ocimum kilimandscharicum x basilicum 'Dark Opal,' is an attractive, fragrant perennial herb. This plant is a hybrid of two basil species: camphor basil (a perennial) and common basil (an annual); the resulting cross is sterile and perennial. The plant has a somewhat spicy basil flavor with a hint of camphor. African blue basil grow and care - shrub type of basil of the genus Ocimum also known as Blue basil or African basil, African blue basil perennial evergreen in warm climate and annual in colder climate, used for the edible leaves and also used as ornamental plant and attract pollinators, can grow in tropic, mediterranean, subtropical or temperate climate and growing in hardiness zone: 10b.
Ocimum basilicum 'African Blue' Basil Ebert's Greenhouse
Basils do not dry well, but leaves and flowers can be pureed with olive oil and frozen for winter use. Use about 3 cups leaves to 1/3 cup olive oil and store flat in small resealable bags. African Blue Basil is one of the six plants chosen to be in our Edible Flower Herb Garden Six Pack. This plant is often available in plug trays. Description Perennial African Blue Basil was first discovered in the early 1980s as a natural hybrid between the East African Camphor basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum) and a garden basil variety known as Sweet basil Dark Opal (Basilicum Dark Opal).
