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The Daily Insight

How big does African blue basil get?

Author

Emma Newman

Updated on March 02, 2026

2 feet tall

Besides, is African blue basil edible?

All parts of the flower, leaves and stems are edible; although some might find the camphor scent too strong for use in the kitchen, the herb reportedly yields a tasty pesto with a "rich, mellow flavor" and can be used as a seasoning in soups and salads, particularly those featuring tomato, green beans, chicken, etc.

Additionally, what can I do with African blue basil? Use fresh leaves to give additional color and a slightly different taste to caprese salads or margarita pizzas. African Blue basil flowers also have culinary uses; add to sour cream for a distinct flavor or add with champagne or ginger ale for a refreshing twist on your cocktail.

Similarly one may ask, where does African blue basil grow?

African Blue Basil Herb Plants produce purple-veined leaves with a strong, earthy flavor and a warm, sweet camphor scent. The flowers are very decorative. Basil grows best in full sun locations with moist, well-drained soil. It can easily be grown indoors.

How big do basil leaves get?

Water: Give basil water when the soil is dry to the touch, doing your best to water the plant at its base and not all over its leaves. Spacing: Depending upon the variety, basil grows anywhere from 12 to 24 inches in height.

Related Question Answers

Is purple basil edible?

Purple Basil is a Great Ornamental Edible. Purple basil can be used in any recipe that calls for sweet basil, although the flavor is more intense than traditional sweet basil. Amazing purple foliage looks attractive in cut flower arrangements.

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.

Are there different types of basil plants?

Dark opal basil Ocimum basilicum pilosum

Can you eat ornamental basil?

This herb can also be significantly cut back and will happily and quickly produce new growth. Basil flowers are also beautiful and edible. However, if you are growing the basil primarily for using the leaves in culinary dishes, your should keep the flowers cut back. This will ensure the best flavor in the leaves.

Can you eat Magic Mountain basil?

General Information: One of the best varieties for ornamental value, this plant displays large, deeply colored flowers all summer. The purple-hued, dark green leaves are great for adding flavor to pesto, sauces, salads and meat dishes.

Does basil go to seed?

If the plant sets flowers, it is on its way to going to seed and will not grow bushy and fill out with a lot of tasty leaves. Once a basil plant goes to seed, the existing leaves begin to lessen in flavor, so don't be afraid to cut and use it, as soon as possible.

What is blue spice basil?

americanum) Vigorous plant with dense spikes of light purple flowers enclosed in showy deep purple bracts, making for an especially fine appearance in pots or in the garden. Heavy fragrance with spicy vanilla overtones that makes a pleasant contribution to both fruit salads and savory dishes. The most fragrant basil.

What is clove basil?

Clove basil is a larger than average basil variety, hence the nickname, “Tree basil.” It can reach heights of three meters (or four feet). Clove basil is very aromatic, the oils in the leaves give off an intense clove aroma with the occasional notes of thyme.

Where can I buy African blue basil?

Basil 'African Blue' - Buy Online at Annie's Annuals.

How hardy is African blue basil?

Check here to see if African Blue Basil Plug Trays are available.
  1. Cultural Information.
  2. Height: 2 Feet.
  3. Hardiness: Zone 10, Grow as an annual in other zones.
  4. Flower Color: Pink.
  5. Characteristics: Full Sun.
  6. Uses: Culinary, Fragrant, Ornamental.

How do you propagate blue basil?

Cut about ¼ inch below a node and pinch off all the leaves up the stem for 4 to 6 inches. Trim off any flower blossoms as well (save those for sprinkling on your lunch or dinner). Above is a photo of the trimmed cuttings. Next, place the cuttings in a glass vase or jar w/ fresh clean water up to the rim.

What is Arigbe?

arigbe) A fragrant herb member of the mint family. Popular in western regions of Nigeria. Believed to have medicinal properties.

Are coffee grounds good for basil plants?

Coffee grounds do have a place in the growth of basil. You just have to be careful when you use it. We know that basil likes soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. It's best to use compost that has coffee grounds in it rather than incorporate them directly into the soil.

How do I make my basil bushy?

8 Tips To Grow Big, Bushy Basil
  1. Keep Them Warm.
  2. Ensure Proper Drainage.
  3. Keep Soil Moist.
  4. Water the Soil Not The Leaves.
  5. Let The Sun Shine In.
  6. Fertilize Properly.
  7. Harvest Early and Often.
  8. Prune Like A Pro.

How do you pick basil so it keeps growing?

Harvesting Larger Amounts: Harvest the leaves from the top down, cutting back up to a third of the total plant height. Be sure to cut or pinch right above a leaf pair rather than leaving a stub. In a few weeks, your basil plants will be ready to harvest again.

What herbs should not be planted together?

Rue, for example, should never be planted in close proximity to sage, basil or cabbages. Anise and dill will inhibit the growth of your carrots; dill may also harm tomatoes. Rue will help figs; anise will benefit coriander; and dill will improve the growth and flavor of cabbages, lettuces and onions.

What does Overwatered basil look like?

Yellow and drooping leaves are the first physical signs of an overwatered basil plant, but the real problem is below the soil surface where roots can rot. Pluck off any yellow or brown leaves on the plant so these unproductive plant parts stop using up the plant's energy.

Does basil need a lot of sun?

How much sun does basil need to grow? Basil grows best with at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. With proper sunlight, your plant will be big and beautiful for several months out of the year.

How long do basil plants live?

Under perfect conditions, Basil plants can grow for up to 6 months in the ground, and up to four months in a pot.

Can I grow basil indoors all year round?

Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors, providing you can give it enough light. Alternatively, basil does exceptionally well under lights also, and with a regular compact fluorescent bulb, you can grow enough basil to keep your kitchen stocked all year round.

Do basil plants spread?

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an easy-to-grow annual herb that also makes an excellent addition to flowerbeds. The bushy herb grows about 2 feet tall with a 1-foot spread.