Ocimum basilicum var. cinnamomum

Sowing and care tips for strong, aromatic plants

Start Ocimum basilicum var. cinnamomum seeds in steady warmth before last frost, then transplant once frost has passed, or direct sow when soil and nights are reliably mild. Provide full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Sow shallowly in a fine mix, keep evenly moist, and avoid waterlogging. Space plants to maintain good air flow and reduce foliar problems; avoid crowding and follow packet guidance. Pinch young tips to encourage branching and a tidy, medium-height habit, removing early flower spikes if prolonged leaf production is preferred. Mulch lightly to moderate moisture and heat, and protect from cold snaps at any stage.

• Start indoors in warmth before last frost; transplant after frost, or direct sow when soil and nights are reliably mild.
• Full sun; well-drained, moderately fertile soil; water evenly and avoid waterlogging.
• Well suited to containers with good drainage and a warm, sheltered aspect.
• Flowers can attract pollinating insects if allowed to bloom.
• Edible leaves commonly used in cooking; harvest young growth for best aroma.
• Also appreciated as an ornamental for neat form and decorative flower spikes.

How do I grow cinnamon basil (Ocimum basilicum var. cinnamomum) from seed?

Sow seeds in warmth and bright light, as basil needs heat to germinate well. Use a fine, free-draining seed mix; sow thinly on the surface and barely cover, or press seeds into the surface as they benefit from light. Keep evenly moist, not waterlogged, and warm until germination. Once seedlings have true leaves, move them to individual modules or small pots and provide strong light to prevent legginess. When planting out, give plants room for good airflow (avoid crowding) and expect a medium-height habit. Regularly remove early flower buds to channel energy into leafy growth.

When should I sow basil in relation to the last frost?

Start seeds indoors several weeks before the last frost so plants are well established by the time conditions are reliably mild. Harden off gradually, then transplant after all frost risk has passed and nights are consistently gentle, with warm soil. Direct sowing is best only when the soil has warmed thoroughly and nighttime temperatures stay mild. In very mild climates, a late-season sowing can be attempted under protection, but basil remains frost-tender and growth slows markedly in cool conditions.

How much sun and what soil does cinnamon basil need?

Cinnamon basil thrives in full sun, ideally receiving 6–8 hours of direct light and shelter from chilling winds. Plant in well-drained, moderately fertile soil; excessive fertility encourages lush but soft growth, while poor drainage leads to root problems. Work in organic matter for structure if needed, but avoid heavy, compacted sites. In cooler or short-summer areas, choose the warmest, sunniest spot to speed growth. Maintain even moisture without saturating the root zone, and mulch lightly to keep soil warmth and moisture steady.

Can I grow cinnamon basil in containers or on a windowsill?

Yes. Choose a pot with ample drainage, roughly 20–30 cm wide for a small clump, filled with a free-draining, peat-free mix (adding grit or perlite improves aeration). Position in the brightest spot available; a sunny windowsill works if it receives strong light for much of the day, or supplement with grow lights if light is limited. Water when the top layer of mix just begins to dry, avoiding standing water in saucers. Rotate pots for even growth and keep foliage spaced for airflow; a few well-spaced plants in one container perform better than a crowded pot.

How do I pinch and harvest basil for bushy growth without harming the plant?

Begin pinching once plants have several pairs of leaves: remove the growing tip just above a leaf node to encourage side shoots and a fuller shape. For harvests, cut stems just above a pair of leaves, leaving at least two healthy pairs to regrow; avoid taking more than about a third of the plant at once. Regular, modest harvests promote continuous branching. Remove flower spikes as they appear if leafy growth is the goal, since flowering diverts energy away from new leaves.

Does basil attract pollinators, and how does cinnamon basil differ from sweet basil?

Basil flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators; allowing a few plants to bloom can support beneficial insects nearby. Cinnamon basil differs from common sweet basil in its warm, spicy aroma with cinnamon notes, as well as its appearance: leaves are often slightly narrower, and stems and flower spikes may show purple tinges with lavender blooms. Growth habit and care are broadly similar, with both forming medium-height plants in full sun and well-drained soil.

Our cultivation information is compiled from horticultural references and supplier data and is intended as general guidance. Outcomes can vary with microclimate, soil texture, drainage, exposure, and seasonal timing (for example, sowing after last frost or when soil is workable). Individual product pages provide the most specific instructions on spacing, depth, and timing for that item. Local conditions may require adjustment to watering, feeding, and protection practices.

Cultivation tips for cinnamon basil

Ocimum basilicum var. cinnamomum seeds yield a fragrant, warm‑spiced basil well suited to sunny, sheltered spots. Sow indoors before the last frost, or direct sow after the last frost when soil is workable and consistently warm. Cover lightly at 3–5 mm; germination typically occurs in 7–14 days at 20–25°C. Transplant once frost risk has passed, spacing plants 25–30 cm apart. Provide full sun, a free‑draining, fertile substrate, and steady moisture without waterlogging; mulch helps retain even soil moisture. Pinch growing tips early to encourage branching, and remove flower spikes to maintain leaf production. Harvest lightly once plants are established, taking small amounts regularly to promote new growth. In mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible; in cooler or short‑season areas, containers in a warm, bright location can improve results. Protect from cold snaps and avoid overfeeding to preserve compact, aromatic growth. Reference: SeedsChoice.