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Details
Eritrean Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a small annual basil known for its distinctive purple-green leaves and rich, aromatic flavor, making it a popular ingredient in traditional African cuisine, especially in Eritrean dishes. With its fragrant, slightly spicy aroma and delicious taste, this basil enhances a wide range of recipes, from savory stews to fresh salads and infused oils. Its vibrant foliage not only adds culinary appeal but also brings a touch of color and texture to herb gardens and container plantings.
Beyond its culinary uses, Eritrean Basil offers a wealth of medicinal properties. Like other varieties of Ocimum basilicum, it is celebrated for its appetite-stimulating qualities and its ability to aid digestion, relieve intestinal spasms, and reduce bloating and flatulence. Its antioxidant-rich leaves act as an immunostimulant and have been traditionally used to help with colds, coughs, migraines, anxiety, stress, nervous insomnia, dizziness, rheumatism, and even epilepsy. Whether used in essential oils, brewed as a herbal infusion, or enjoyed raw, Eritrean Basil is both a culinary treasure and a natural remedy, making it a valuable addition to any garden or kitchen.
Michigan Seeds and Plants grown on our farm, Renegade Acres, in Howell, MI!
Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.
Additional Info
| Botanical Name | Ocimum basilicum |
|---|---|
| Life Cycle | Annual |
| Min. Time to Germinate | 7 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate | 21 Days |
| Depth to Sow Seeds | 1/4 in. |
| When to Sow | Indoors 4-6 weeks before last spring frost |
| Growing Height | 12-18 in. (30-45 cm) |
| Plant Spacing | 12-15 in. (30-38 cm) |
| Hardiness | N/A |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun, Sun to Partial Shade |
| Danger | N/A |
| Bloom Color | Blue-Violet, Medium Blue, Violet/Lavender |
| Bloom Time | Late Summer/Early Fall, Mid-Summer |
| Foliage | Blue-Green |
| Other Details | Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater, Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings |
| Soil pH Requirements | 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) |
| Propagation Methods | By simple layering, By stooling or mound layering, Direct sow as soon as the ground can be worked, From herbaceous stem cuttings, From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; germinate in a damp paper towel, From seed; sow indoors before last frost, From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse |
| Seed Collecting | Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds, Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed, Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry |
| Seeds Per Pack | 50 |
