How to Care for Cinnamon Basil Plants
Plant cinnamon basil (Ocimum sp.) in your herb garden or a patio container, and you can enjoy the aroma of warm cinnamon rolls every time you walk by. Pink flowers arise above shiny green foliage during the summer. Cinnamon basil isn't difficult to grow and will thrive in bright sunlight and well-drained soil. Cinnamon basil can be used to flavor jams, jellies and vinegars. When dried, cinnamon basil can be used in dried flower arrangements or potpourri. It can also be planted in containers. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Mulch
- Granular fertilizer
- Liquid fertilizer for container plants
- Pruners or garden shears
Instructions
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1
Water cinnamon basil deeply every seven to 10 days; allow the soil to dry before watering again. Check containerized cinnamon basil plants daily during hot weather, and water the plant whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
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Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the plants to retain moisture and deter weeds. Use an organic mulch such as dry grass clippings, chopped leaves, straw or compost.
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3
Feed cinnamon basil every eight to 10 weeks in the spring and summer. Use a granular fertilizer with a ratio such as 5-10-5. Apply a light application of the fertilizer according to the rate suggestions listed on the fertilizer package. Feed containerized cinnamon basil every three to four weeks, using a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Don't over-fertilize, as too much fertilizer will produce bushy plants with little flavor.
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4
Snip cinnamon basil for use in the kitchen any time after the stems have at least four leaves. Trimming the plant will ensure bushy growth.
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Tips & Warnings
Basil is an annual plant and will need to be replaced every year, but it will last a bit longer if you dig up a plant and bring it indoors for the winter. Plant the basil in a container filled with commercial potting soil. Place the plant in a bright window. Alternatively, place the plant under fluorescent lights or grow lights for 10 to 12 hours per day. Water deeply when the soil feels dry, and allow the water to drain freely through the drainage hole.
