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Herbs · Ocimum basilicum 'Cardinal'

Cardinal Basil

Cardinal Basil is a hybrid herb. Germination takes 5-10 days and fruit ripens from about day 65-75. Skin runs to medium green leaves with bright red-purple flower spikes. Water need is 1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture. Suits zones 10-10. It will crop in a container. As a hybrid it will not breed true; saving seed from it is not worth the space.

65-75days to harvest
5-10days to germinate
Z10–10USDA zones
Easydifficulty
F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost or direct sow when soil reaches 65°F. Surface sow with light covering.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
8-12 inches
Height
0-3 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Medium green leaves with bright red-purple flower spikes
Size
1-2 inch oval leaves, 4-6 inch flower spikes
Shape
Oval leaves with tall, dense cylindrical flower spikes
Flavour
Classic sweet basil flavor in leaves, intense basil-clove flavor in flowers

In the kitchen

Edible flowers for garnish, salads, Italian dishes, pesto, herbal vinegars, ornamental cooking

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, slugs
Diseases
Fusarium wilt, bacterial leaf spot, downy mildew in humid conditions
Resistance
Good resistance to downy mildew, fusarium wilt susceptible

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
10JanuaryFebruary – April—April – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

TomatoesBasil repels tomato hornworms and aphids while potentially improving tomato flavor
PeppersBasil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack pepper plants
OreganoBoth herbs have similar growing requirements and oregano helps repel aphids and cucumber beetles
MarigoldsRepel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects that protect basil
LettuceBasil provides light shade for lettuce in hot weather and repels aphids that damage leafy greens
ChivesRepel aphids and may improve basil's essential oil production and overall flavor
NasturtiumsAct as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles while attracting beneficial predatory insects
ParsleyCompatible growth habits and parsley attracts beneficial insects that help protect basil

Avoid

RueAllelopathic properties inhibit basil growth and can stunt development
Common SageCompetes aggressively for nutrients and may inhibit basil growth through root competition
FennelProduces allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of basil and most other garden plants

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
23
Protein (g)
3.15
Fat (g)
0.64
Carbohydrate (g)
2.65
Fibre (g)
1.6
Sugars (g)
0.3
Vitamin A (µg)
264
Vitamin C (mg)
18
Vitamin E (mg)
0.8
Vitamin K (µg)
415
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.155
Folate (µg)
68
Calcium (mg)
177
Iron (mg)
3.17
Magnesium (mg)
64
Phosphorus (mg)
56
Potassium (mg)
295
Zinc (mg)
0.81
Selenium (µg)
0.3
← PreviousPurple Ruffles Oregano Next →Holy Basil

Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the herbs growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

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Similar varieties

Other herbs with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Cardinal Basil suits these too.

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