Ocimum sp. - Perennial Basil 'Magic Blue' - €9 per plant

Perennial Basil is an aromatic culinary herb although it is frost tender and should to be grown as a half-hardy annual in temperate zones.  It has edible, rounded to oval leaves, and 'Magic Blue' variety has particularly beautiful leaves which have a good flavour and showy purple blooms.  A very good companion plant and can be grown in the house or greenhouse.  To order this plant please contact us balkanecologyproject@gmail.com.  

Context

  • native region: Not known
  • native habitat: Not known in the wild
  • family: Lamiaceae 

Predators

  • No experience of any pests or predators 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun
  • soil pH: Acid-neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness: 9 - 11
  • It prefers moist soil 
  • ​Prefers well drained soil

Known hazards 

  • ​Basil contains estragole a potentially carcinogenic and mutagenic essential oil. Do not take during pregnancy or give basil oil to small infants/children.

Overview


  • Herbaceous perennial growing to 0.5m by 0.3m at a fast rate.
  • It is in flower from July - September
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees and other insects.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • Cannot grow in the shade.
  • Prefers moist, well drained soil

Characteristics

  • form: Herbaceous perennial
  • layer : Herb Layer
  • habit: Standard
  • height x width (m): 0.5m x 0.5m  

Products 

  • Leaves: It has edible, rounded to oval leaves, Used as a flavouring especially with tomato dishes, pasta sauces, beans, peppers and aubergines. The leaves are normally used fresh but can also be dried for winter use and make a great cup of tea.
  • Flowers: It is in flower from from mid to late summer, and the seeds ripen in early autumn. Flowers are purple and grow on spikes attracting beneficial organisms.
  • Medicinal: Extensive history but acts principally on the digestive and nervous systems, easing flatulence, stomach cramps, colic and indigestion

Functions, behaviours

  • One of the best varieties for ornamental value, this plant displays large, deeply coloured flowers for most of summer.
  • Is frost tender and needs to be grown as a half-hardy annual in temperate zones
  • Easy to propagate by seed​
If you would like this plant please send an email to balkanecologyproject@gmail.com with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project