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I am obsessed with this African Blue Basil and how awesome it is in the garden. It’s easy to grow, hard to kill, and the pollinators love in. In this video I tell you a bit more about growing it, and show you the progress my plants have made this summer.
I asked Gemini to provide us additional context, and here’s what I learned:
African Blue Basil, also known botanically as Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum ‘Dark Opal’, is a hybrid basil variety that stands out for its unique characteristics and captivating beauty.
Distinguishing Features:
- Appearance: It boasts stunning dark green leaves with striking purple veining, further complemented by purple stems, flowers, and flower spikes.
- Scent: The entire plant emanates a warm, sweet camphor aroma, making it a sensory delight.
- Growth Habit: It tends to grow as wide as it is tall, often forming a bushy, rounded shrub.
- Sterility: It is a sterile hybrid, meaning it does not produce seeds and can only be propagated through cuttings.
- Perennial Nature: Unlike many other basil varieties, it is perennial, meaning it can live for several years, especially in warmer climates.
Uses & Benefits:
- Ornamental: Its vibrant colors and attractive growth habit make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens and landscaping.
- Culinary: While its flavor is stronger than that of sweet basil, it can still be used in culinary applications, particularly in dishes that benefit from a more robust basil flavor.
- Pollinator Attractant: Its abundant flowers are a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any pollinator-friendly garden.
- Growing Tips: Sunlight: It thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Soil: It prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
- Watering: Regular watering is essential, especially during hot and dry periods, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.
- Pruning: Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and helps to maintain its shape.
- Propagation: As it is sterile, it can only be propagated through cuttings taken from healthy plants.
In summary, African Blue Basil is a versatile and visually appealing herb that offers a unique blend of ornamental, culinary, and ecological benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this captivating plant is sure to add a touch of beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space.
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About Michelle In The Meadow
I’m growing on a 1/4 acre suburban lot. I started gardening here 5 years ago and am glad you are here.
We have more than 80 individual fruit trees and shrubs and more than a dozen different kinds of annuals growing on this property. The slopes make for some interesting ways to garden, but we’re trying to make the best of it.
On the first Sunday evening of each month (7PM Eastern), I go live on YouTube sharing updates and answering your questions.
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This video: • African Blue Basil for a Pollinator’s…
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