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Herbs · Ocimum basilicum

Cinnamon Basil

Cinnamon Basil is an oval, pointed leaves with serrated edges herb with fruit around 2". Ready from roughly day 65. Germination takes 5-10 days. Space 12-18 inches apart at pH 6.0-7.0. Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours). It will crop in a container.

65days to harvest
5-10days to germinate
Z10–10USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or direct sow after soil reaches 60°F. Keep soil consistently moist until germination.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
12-18 inches
Height
0-3 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Green leaves with purple stems and purple flower spikes
Size
2"
Shape
Oval, pointed leaves with serrated edges
Flavour
Sweet cinnamon and spice with mild basil undertones

In the kitchen

Asian stir-fries, fruit salads, herbal teas, desserts, potpourri, and as garnish for cocktails

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, Japanese beetles, slugs, whiteflies
Diseases
Fusarium wilt, bacterial leaf spot, downy mildew
Resistance
Good resistance to common basil diseases when grown in proper conditions

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 hornworms and aphids that commonly attack tomatoes, may enhance tomato flavor
PeppersBasil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that damage pepper plants
OreganoSimilar growing requirements and mutually beneficial pest deterrent properties
MarigoldsRepel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects that protect basil
LettuceBasil provides light shade for lettuce and repels aphids that damage leafy greens
CarrotsBasil improves soil structure and repels carrot flies and other root pests
AsparagusBasil repels asparagus beetles and both plants benefit from similar soil conditions
ParsleyCompatible growing conditions and basil attracts beneficial insects that protect parsley

Avoid

RueAllelopathic compounds inhibit basil growth and development
SageCompetes for nutrients and may inhibit basil growth through root competition
ThymeDifferent watering needs and thyme's aggressive spreading can crowd out basil

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
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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.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Cinnamon Basil?

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Similar varieties

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

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