Thanks for the information. It grows in full sun to a good 3 feet high, bearing tall stalks of pink flowers against purple-veined leaves. African Blue Basil, sometimes referred to as African Basil, Dark Opal Basil or Opal Basil, is a beautiful, bushy plant. I first learned the details of this technique years ago by watching CaliKim’s episode about basil propagation on YouTube. You might also mention that the plant is only hardy in zone 9+. I will always keep this plant around for my bees. 4-inch diameter pot or similar size container (with drainage holes). Like all basils, the flowers of 'African Blue' are edible and great for flavoring oils and vinegars. I often tell people that they don't have to become a beekeeper to help the…, One of the single most helpful habits a new beekeeper can form is record taking.…, As the sole bee in her caste, the queen bee is an illustrious member of…. It is very cold tolerant and the only basil that does well in the San Francisco fog. From shop VincentGardens. Photo by Beth Bolles, UF IFAS Extension Escambia County. I have 2 more that are bigger than this and 4 more that are a bit smaller. ), but due to it being a sterile hybrid it won’t go to seed. Posted on November 21, 2013 by Wasps destroyed. I am in zone 6. It can easily be grown indoors. S.F. A closer look at the African Blue Basil. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey) Posted on Friday, October 2, 2020 at 1:35 PM. Resist the urge to spread them out. It is sterile, meaning it does not set seeds. Inspect the branch. In San Diego, where we can garden year round, African blue basil blooms every day of the year. I too am a beekeeper and I have been growing African Basil for 3 years now. It holds up well, flavor does not diminish with freezing for up to 12 months. Can add some purple colour to dishes when used fresh. Required fields are marked *. Reply . When other plants that attract pollinators are providing nothing, we are grateful for that smelly old stick, and so are the bees. It produces fuzzy purple leaves that turn green as the leaves grow to full size. African blue basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum 'Dark Opal') is a hybrid basil variety, a cross between camphor basil and dark opal basil.It is one of a few types of basil that are perennial. Rivaled only by African Blue Basil for drawing the most bees, this will be a popular plant in your garden and will provide some much needed summer blooms. I have grown it two seasons in a row now, and I intend to grow it next year as well. A cutting will sprout roots directly from the stem if placed in water and given the right conditions. African blue basil blooms are very attractive to many native bees and beneficial wasps. I love the flavor, I makes boat loads of pesto for friends and family. The plants in full sun get worked the hardest but there are bees … Basil, African is a perennial Basil with deep green leaves splashed with purple and long flower spikes of bright mauve-pink ideal for Bees Thank you to everyone who participated and shared the contest! June 4, 2014 / gardenmandolin. I love the flavor, I makes boat loads of pesto for friends and family. It likes a sunny location with well-drained soil. the cuttings. For a basil, it’s a surprisingly forgiving plant: if you forget to water or prune an established African blue basil, it bounces back. Study your mother plant to find a branch to remove that will improve the health or shape of the mother and provide several good cuttings. African Blue Basil Border Position: Container Garden Soil Type: Broad Tolerance Site: Full Sun: Moisture: Well-drained Height: 75cm (30in) Spacing: 30cm (12in) Sowing, Seeds, Planting: Protect plants from frost in a sheltered environment whilst you pot them on ready to go outside, usually around May time. Honey bees often forage on … Bees love Basil and collect both pollen and nectar from the white to light-blue flowers. Details 'African Blue' is a short-lived perennial to about 75cm, with dark green leaves, flushed purple when young, with a strong, camphor scent. I’m the author of the book, “Queenspotting” and founder of the urban beekeeping business Girl Next Door Honey in San Diego, California. Leave a comment Post navigation I like to remove branches from dense sections to encourage airflow or to prune off some weight on a really laden branch. $11.99 shipping. For the next 2-3 weeks, keep an eye on the cuttings. The plant is suffering from something. African Blue Basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum) is one of the best plants to have in your garden for attracting bees and other pollinators. Showy purple flowers on vigorous, bushy plants with purple-tinged leaves.From Charissa, a Minnesota gardener: It's my favorite plant, LOVES the weather here, grows like crazy to the point they are more like shrubs. about basil propagation on YouTube. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a57f71e4aa43b99d92cc8a72b88165bf" );document.getElementById("bb573efad7").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It also makes great cut flowers! As I was wandering through my vegetable garden/weed patch I stopped at my large African Blue Basil (ABB) which was covered with carpenter bees, wasps, bumble bees, and other miscellaneous flying insects. Reply. I have 2 more that are bigger than this and 4 more that are a bit smaller. African blue basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum 'Dark Opal') is a hybrid basil variety, a cross between camphor basil and dark opal basil.It is one of a few types of basil that are perennial. My tutorial below is for to African blue basil and includes lots of photos and tips specific to this type of basil. African Blue Basil, Ocimum, Edible Plant, Herb, Nectar Plant, Honey Bees, Native Bees VincentGardens. Posted on November 21, 2013 by treebee1. For new gardeners out there, propagation from cuttings is a cloning a technique, a way to grow lots of new plants from an existing plant, that works especially well for anything in the mint family—like basil. Photo by Beth Bolles, UF IFAS Extension Escambia County Basil is a favorite plant in the summer herb garden and an absolute must for those who enjoy fresh leaves for a sandwich or delicious homemade pesto. Let the other leaves be, as those will continue to carry out photosynthesis and supply the cutting with energy to grow roots. African blue basil is a perennial hybrid basil that was created by crossing two basil species. I love this plant because it attracts bees and butterflies. African Blue Basil is a sterile hybrid edible herb with showy leaves and beautiful flowers. My thought being that the root system would feed the soil and bring joy to the microbes and fungal map. African Blue basil leaves provide vitamins A and C, antioxidants that boost the immune system, manganese to assist with protein digestion, and vitamin K to promote faster wound healing. Check out our african blue basil selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our craft supplies & tools shops. Though its growth slowed for a couple months, it perked right up in spring and thrived into a wild-looking shrub.