Skip to product information
1 of 3

African Blue Basil

African Blue Basil

This plant IS available for shipping ONLY in 3 inch pot and 1 gallon pot sizes.

Regular price $12.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $12.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Size

3 inch Pot - 8 to 12" tall plant in 6" diameter x 7" tall pot. SHIPPABLE

1 gallon Pot - 8 to 16" tall plant in 5" x 5" x 6" tall pot. SHIPPABLE

Small Tree Pot - 8 to 16" tall plant in 5" x 5" x 6" tall pot. SHIPPABLE

Large Tree Pot - 8 to 16" tall plant in 5" x 5" x 12" tall pot. SHIPPABLE

3 gallon Pot - 18 to 36" tall plant in 10" diameter x 8" tall pot. IN STORE ONLY

5 gallon Pot - 30" to 60" tall plant in 11" diameter x 10" tall pot. IN STORE ONLY

15 gallon Pot - 60" to 75" tall plant in 17" diameter x 15" tall pot. IN STORE ONLY

If you've never heard of African blue basil, it's a hybrid variety created by crossing camphor basil and dark opal basil, it can be grown as a perennial in frost-free areas. The foliage is a pretty blend of dark green and purple, the plants produce loads of purplish flowers that don’t need to be removed because, unlike most basils, they don’t go to seed.

African blue basil is sterile and Pollinators love the flowers. This is a must for beekeepers, and is always buzzing with bees. Like other basil varieties, African basil likes soil amended with compost that is well drained. Plants form woody stems, this plant is frost tender and needs winter protection. The tasty leaves can be used in pesto, salads, pasta, cocktails or anywhere else you’d use basil.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Plant in well-draining soil. It does well when given compost and/or regular fertilizer. Flowers do not have to be pruned to extend the life of the plant, but they can be pruned for bushier growth and a cleaner look.

ABOUT THIS PLANT

Botanic Name: Ocimum kilimandscharicum × Ocimum basilicum
Tongva Name: N/A
Common Names: African Blue Basil,

Lifespan: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 8-10
Growth Structure: 2-3 ft tall bush, can be pruned smaller or taller

Fertility Preference: ★ ★
Water Preference: ★ ★
Sun & Light Preference: ★ ★

Cold Tolerance: 32°F
Flowers? Yes, Purple
Edible? Yes
Native to: s 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.
Recommended Size for Container Growing: 5 gallon

View full details