African Blue basil Growing and Plant Care Guide

What Is African Blue Basil?

African Blue basil is a tender annual herb in the Lamiaceae family. It is also referred to as African Basil, Brazilian Basil, and Madagascar Basil.

The plants produce feathery green leaves with an aromatic peppery flavor that tastes great in pasta salads, soups, and pesto dishes.

This annual herb is beloved for its sweet, pungent flavor. African blue basil has narrow, pointy leaves that are often purple-tinged and slightly hairy. The flowers are small pink or purple blooms with a white center.

Care & Maintenance

African blue basil is fairly easy to grow in the average home garden, but it will not survive if exposed to frost.

Like most fresh herbs, African blue likes moist soil and plenty of sunlight. It also needs a warm environment with temperatures that stay above 50°F (10°C). Plant your basil indoors about 2 weeks before the last frost or transplant outdoors once all danger of frost has passed.

This plant grows rapidly and begins flowering within 3-4 months after planting, making it an excellent herb for filling space between slower-growing plants. In fact, this plant makes a great companion plant because it attracts hummingbirds – which also love to sip on its sweet nectar!

African Blue Basil Light Requirements

This Plant requires a significant amount of sunlight. It will need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow and develop its full flavor. Be sure to plant your herb in an area that receives plenty of sunlight.

African Blue Basil Water Requirements

Like most other basil varieties, African blue likes moisture. Be sure to keep the soil moist at all times by watering regularly – especially if hot weather is on the way.

Mulching with organic matter and providing consistent water during dry spells will help ensure a healthy plant produces more leaves.

Since African blue basil does not tolerate colder temperatures, be sure to harvest your plant before cold weather hits and bring it indoors for overwintering.

Soil Requirements

African blue basil requires fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Good drainage is essential for this plant because the plant will not tolerate soggy soils.

To protect its flavor, harvest basil before noon – when the essential oils that provide aroma and taste are strongest. Keep cutting off the top portions of stems with several sets of leaves until

If you are starting your African blue basil from seed indoors, use a high-quality potting mix. A good potting mix will provide the proper nutrients and moisture levels for your new seedlings.

Mix one part compost or aged manure into the top layer of your garden bed and dig it in before planting your herb. Be sure to use aged manure or compost instead of commercial fertilizers, burning African blue basil’s sensitive roots.

When planting African blue basil in your garden, dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your plant. Mix the soil you dug out with some compost and place it back into the hole. Carefully set your plant into the hole and spread out its roots.

Water the plant well after planting to help settle the soil around its roots. Then mulch it with compost or aged manure to keep moisture levels high. Keep an eye on your plants through the first few months of growth until they are established in their new home.

The addition of organic material will help ensure good soil structure and keep your plants healthy.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

African blue basil is a tropical plant and will not tolerate below 60°F (16°C).

Since it’s a tropical plant, African blue basil likes high humidity levels. Be sure to regularly mist your plants during extended dry spells, especially if temperatures rise.

Be sure to also place your basil in an area with plenty of air circulation. African blue basil does not do well in areas that are too tightly enclosed.

The average home evaporative cooler or humidifier can help you keep up with moisture needs – just make sure you keep foliage from contacting water for prolonged periods of time.

Fertilizing Requirements:

This plant requires feeding 3 times a year for optimum growth. In the spring, use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 5-10-5 or an all-purpose houseplant food at a rate of 1/4 cup per 4′ x 4′ bed.

If you have hit a dry spell and growth is stunted, apply another dose to give your plants the boost they need to get back on track.

African Blue Basil Planting Instructions:

To plant African blue basil seeds, first, fill small cells or pots with potting mix. Moisten the soil slightly and scatter your seed evenly over the surface (as pictured). Cover lightly and keep moist until germination occurs in 2 weeks. Transplant into the garden after the last frost.

Do not transplant into poorly drained soil or soil with a pH of less than 6.0 to avoid root rot. If the plant’s roots are slow to develop, transfer it to a pot that is 2″ larger in diameter and depth as soon as new growth appears.

Seeds & Growing Instructions:

If you purchased seedlings, wait until the weather outside is warm enough (at least 50°F) before planting your herb out in the garden. When planting African blue basil from seed, dig a small hole and place your seeds about 1/4″ deep. Push soil lightly over the top without covering them completely and water lightly – germination occurs in 8 days with optimal conditions! Space plants at least 18-24″ apart from each other.

Pests & Diseases:

Like many herbs, African blue basil can be plagued by various pests and diseases – especially if you live in an area that receives high humidity. Keep an eye out for aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites which will devour your plant quickly if left unchecked.

To limit the growth of these harmful insects, wash away any loose soil that is harboring pests and use a soap spray to kill them. If they are a recurring problem in your garden, try moving African blue basil indoors or purchase beneficial predator insects online to help keep harmful bugs at bay.

To keep your plants healthy and free of disease, practice crop rotation (planting new crops in different areas of your garden each season) and remove weeds regularly to avoid soil-borne pathogens from infecting your herb.

If a pest or disease does appear on your plant’s leaves, try spraying a solution made using 1 Tbsp baking soda dissolved in 4 cups water onto the infected plant. Make sure to coat the underside of leaves as well as the topside.

Deep green, blue African basil is an amazing addition to any cooking or gardening enthusiast’s garden! Keep planting and growing – you’ll be enjoying fresh basil in no time at all!

Potting and repotting Requirements:

African blue basil requires frequent repotting. Repot African blue basil into a pot that is 2″ larger in diameter and depth when new growth appears. You will notice your plant starting to root out of the bottom – carefully remove the soil from around the roots with small scissors or a sterile, sharp knife and inspect for rotted sections. Clean off any residue using water and a clean rag (you can also use an old toothbrush)

Gently squeeze to remove excess water before returning it to its original pot outdoors. Do not overwater indoors, as you may drown your plant! Instead, wait until the top 1/3 of the soil is dry before watering again.

If your herb becomes root-bound, transplant it into a container that is 2″ larger in diameter and depth. Unpot African blue basil carefully with a sharp, sterile knife or small set of sterilized pruning shears – the root ball should be firm to the touch with no signs of decay!

Flowering & Fruiting:

Once your plant produces its first flower, it will bear fruit about 8-10 weeks from then, assuming you provide adequate sunlight daily (8+ hours) and nighttime temperatures between 55-60°F.

Of course, there are LOTS of other factors that go into fruiting (i.e., pollination). You can learn more about growing herbs indoors by visiting our grower’s guide!

If you decide to try your hand at pollinating African blue basil, take a baggie and fill it with about 20-30 bees. Place the bag on top of the plant for a few minutes—you will see movement inside if you are successful at pollinating!

Preventing Fertilizer Burn:

Too much fertilizer can burn your herb’s leaves – especially when subjected to direct sunlight! African blue basil is tolerant to most fertilizers and should be watered less frequently than other houseplants. Use caution when over-fertilizing (also avoid feeding from the beginning of November until the end of March). It is best practice to wait for the soil to dry before watering your plant again.

African Blue Basil Propagation info:

You can propagate African blue basil by cuttings and division. Cuttings are best taken from a healthy, mature plant that hasn’t been fertilized recently – having more leaves on the top of your cutting will help it grow faster!

Take 2-4″, firm stems with leaf nodes less than 4″ below soil level. Remove bottom leaves and dip in rooting compound (available at gardening centers) to prevent rotting before planting into the potting mix. Place in full sunlight/room temperature of 70°F or higher until roots appear. Move to indirect light/room temperature of 65°F or lower for best growth!

2″ pots should be repotted every year as well unless you have grown them into larger containers. If working indoors, use a sterile knife and cut from the sides of the pot first – if in your garden, use digging tools to loosen the soil around the sides. Be gentle when repotting African blue basil, as you can easily kill it if the soil is too compacted!

Growing Conditions:

How well does Africans Blue Basil Grow?

African blue basil thrives indoors in light but not direct sunlight—they are instrumental near patios for their refreshing scent! They prefer warm weather (but not hot!) and should be watered less frequently than other houseplants.

Use caution when over-fertilizing (also avoid feeding from the beginning of November until the end of March). It is best practice to wait for the soil to dry before watering your plant again.

African blue basil can tolerate a wide range of temperatures between 40-80°F. However, they do the best if kept at room temperature (70-75°F).

If your herb is getting too much light, you will see burnt leaves or stems at the tips of the plant. Be sure to rotate African blue basil 90 degrees each week to prevent this from happening!

Where To Buy Seeds & Plants:

Plant seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date, or buy started seedlings 1 month before transplanting outdoors. Plant seeds or seedlings 1/2″ deep in moist soil in full sun and water frequently for best results.

Pinch off flower heads when they form to keep plants growing bushy and healthy. Space herb plants 18-24″ apart from each other. Click the Picture below to purchase your very own and get started growing from the comfort of your home.

Last but not Least – Growing Tips:

African blue basil prefers partial shade/morning sun and indirect light the rest of the day. If your herb is getting too much light, you will see burnt leaves or stems at the tips of the plant. Be sure to rotate African blue basil 90 degrees each week to prevent this from happening!

Your herb should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer (like Miracle-Gro® Liquid Calcium, 24-8-16 ). You may also use a time-release granular all-purpose gardening fertilizer  – but never put it in the soil directly as it could burn your roots if over-applied! After 5 – 7 days, please discontinue feeding until new growth appears again.

African blue basil does well in small spaces and humid indoor environments – through regular misting isn’t required, it can’t hurt!

Lightly mist African blue basil once a week to increase growth rate and flavor production.

Be careful not to soak your plant, or the leaves will turn colors from too much moisture and be more prone to disease. Please comment below if you have any questions or would like extra tips – happy growing!