How to Grow and Use Cinnamon Basil
Basil is an easy-to-grow herb that can be found in many home gardens. Sweet basil is one of the most popular varieties to grow, but if you are looking for something a little more exotic, try cinnamon basil. It has dark green leaves on reddish stems with purple blooms. As its name implies, it has a spicy, cinnamon-like taste and scent. It is used in potpourris and dried flower arrangements, and for flavoring jellies, teas and vinegars. Some gardeners grow it because its strong odor may repel certain pests, like aphids and mites. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Growing Cinnamon Basil
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Choose a location in your garden that receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day and contains a well-drained soil.
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Plant cinnamon basil seeds directly into the ground a week or two after the last frost of the season. Cover the seeds with 1/4 inch of soil.
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Water the seeds lightly and keep them moist until they sprout, which should take about a week.
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When the seedlings have developed two or three leaves, thin the plants so that they are 6 to 12 inches apart.
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Once the plants are established, add 2 to 3 inches of mulch to to help maintain moisture and reduce weeds.
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Water deeply every week throughout the growing season.
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Pinch off blooms to encourage new growth and preserve flavor.
Using Cinnamon Basil
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Harvest by removing individual leaves or cutting stems just above a pair of leaves.
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Use fresh in recipes that call for basil.
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Rub leaves with olive oil and place in ice cube trays or plastic bags, then freeze to save them for later use. Use within one year.
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Dry basil by hanging bunches of it upside down in a well-ventilated place for about a week. Once it is dried, remove the leaves and store them whole or crumbled in an airtight container for up to one year.
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Tips & Warnings
Treat your soil with organic matter like compost or peat moss before planting.
References
Resources
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