Cinammon Basil [Ocimum basilicum var. cinnamomum]

The annual cinnamon basil is an old and largely unknown medicinal and spice plant. Its special feature is its sweet taste with an aroma of cinnamon, orange and cloves. Unique basil taste. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting the leaves.

 Description 
Cinnamon basil is an old wild form and perennial medicinal and spice plant that originally comes from Southeast Asia and Central Africa. The plants love warmth and produce light purple flowers that magically attract insects. The large leaves have a sweet taste and contain an aroma of cinnamon, orange and cloves, which, when combined with the typical Italian basil, develops a unique taste.

 General information 
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 70 days
Plant height approx.: 50 cm
Root type: Heart rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to 3°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-24 °C
Germination time: 5-10 days
Plant and row spacing: 25x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 9-10 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Fennel, Pumpkin plants, Chard, Tomato, Apricot, Marigold, Lilies, Asparagus
Unfavorable mixed culture: Savory, Lemon balm, Sage, Thyme, Rue, Wormwood, Yarrow

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from March to September is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is warm and sunny to partially shaded.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from May to July is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is warm and sunny.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing in rows is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing. Pre-cultivation in pots is also advisable.
Cinammon basil does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Cut the shoot tips to encourage branching and the emergence of new shoots. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, it is recommended to also incorporate biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
To encourage bushy growth, older shoots and shoot tips should be cut off from time to time. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Ocimum basilicum var. cinnamomum
English names: Cinnamon basil
German names: Zimt Basilikum
Portuguese names: Manjericão canela
Spanish names: Albahaca canela
French names: Basilic cannelle

 Origin 
Country: Portugal