In San Diego, where we can garden year round, African blue basil blooms every day of the year. A Few More Tips. I bought this plant when I went on a trip to Fort Meyers to visit ECHO. Basil, African is a perennial Basil with deep green leaves splashed with purple and long flower spikes of bright mauve-pink ideal for Bees African Blue Basil is a shrubby type basil plant which can get up to 4 feet high and across. I have grown it two seasons in a row now, and I intend to grow it next year as well. “The amount of forage that bees have access to is directly related to honey production and hive health.” Hilary’s advice, along with the myriad things she has taught me about bees, got me to reimagine planting flowers; seeds in hand, I can see myself as a chef to the bees, ready to serve up the best flowers. It is tender and must be planted after all threat of frost is gone. They like to be pruned. And the bees race me for flowers, if I don't dead head them quickly. $11.99 shipping. That’s actually good news for the foodie gardener. It’s grown easily from cuttings and works great as a stand alone bush or as a border. I’m the author of the book, “Queenspotting” and founder of the urban beekeeping business Girl Next Door Honey in San Diego, California. Last year we purchased a small African Blue Basil with an anise nose from our local Green and Growing. It fell off in the frost and I pruned it to the ground. It was really hard to get a good picture of them (click to open the pics at the original size). Tag Archives: African blue basil. African Blue Basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum) is one of the best plants to have in your garden for attracting bees and other pollinators. Though she teaches about Italian basil, the concepts are the same for African blue basil, and I highly recommend that you watch it if you’re interested in seeing all the steps of propagation. Here’s where the African blue basil becomes indispensable. This low water succulent stuns when in bloom. African Blue Basil is a sterile hybrid edible herb with showy leaves and beautiful flowers. It’s good to have something for them after the main nectar flow of blackberries. This video shows you how busy they are. African Blue Basil Herb Plants produce purple-veined leaves with a strong, earthy flavor and a warm, sweet camphor scent. A nursery owner in Ohio noticed the new variety growing in between plantings of the camphor basil and dark opal basil in 1983, and soon after, the owner began to propagate the cultivar through plant cuttings. It is a cross between Dark Opal Basil and African Camphor Basil. Photo by Elizabeth Georges. Linda Ly August 21, 2013 at 2:10 am. From shop VincentGardens. Positive Buy basil or Ocimum African Blue Ocimum 'African Blue' Our website uses cookies. Though its leaves have a decidedly camphor scent and taste, they can still be used for culinary purposes and even make a uniquely delicious pesto. Don’t pick a woody stem to root. Hardy soft wooded perennial tolerant of light frosts. African blue basil attracts honey bees by the droves. 3 Plants of Perennial African Blue Basil ~ Custom Made to Order ~ 5.0 out of 5 stars 1. It is grown as a pernnial in zone 10 and higher and as an annual in lower zones as it cannot tolerate frost. African Blue Basil, sometimes referred to as African Basil, Dark Opal Basil or Opal Basil, is a beautiful, bushy plant. For the next 2-3 weeks, keep an eye on the cuttings. ), but due to it being a sterile hybrid it won’t go to seed. They work these from daylight to dark. It's so beautiful, loves hot summers/sun; fairs much better than other basil when not watered; Growing African Blue Basil November 7, 2018 April 11, 2019 / Flowers , Garden , Herbs / 1 Comment If you love eating basil all year round and want a beautiful edible plant that will bring the bees to your garden then without a doubt you have to get your hands on this beauty. 'African Blue' is a cross between Ocimum kilimandscharicum and Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal'. I try to make sure my garden—or bee restaurant—has tons of menu options, and it’s fun to see the bees trying out the different plants. Details 'African Blue' is a short-lived perennial to about 75cm, with dark green leaves, flushed purple when young, with a strong, camphor scent. Can add some purple colour to dishes when used fresh. Though its growth slowed for a couple months, it perked right up in spring and thrived into a wild-looking shrub. African blue basil plants are sterile, unable to produce seeds of their own, and can only be propagated by cuttings.. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared the contest! ECHO is an organizati… Now, the announcement you’ve all been waiting for: Winners: you will be contacted through the e-mail address you provided to make your comment. A closer look at the African Blue Basil. Should also be called ‘Bee Basil… (Photo: Elizabeth Georges) As well as being beneficial for native bees and other pollinators, African blue basil and anise hyssop are very easy to grow – no special herb garden necessary. 4 to 6 inches in height; Purple blooms in spring attractive to bees. Perhaps one of the reasons the African blue basil has done so well is that it knows I detest it. Posted on November 21, 2013 by treebee1. Bees just love these beautiful and aromatic flower spikes, and always buzz around them. The amount of pollinator activity on this selection makes it a benefit to any garden – from European honeybees, to native solitary bees and beneficial wasps – African blue basil is simply alive with pollinators when in bloom. As a bee plant, African blue basil tops my list because it’s so easy to propagate from cuttings. It also makes great cut flowers! This herb plant is super easy to grow, attracts bees by the hundreds and will ensure your garden is THE place to be for bees. Introducing African Blue Basil. Flowers are mauve on long stalks attracting bees to your garden. Repeat step 7 for all your your cuttings. I wonder if you could propagate it indoors and then plant it outside in the spring. African Blue Basil, sometimes referred to as African Basil, Dark Opal Basil or Opal Basil, is a beautiful, bushy plant. Leave a comment Post navigation The clock stops ticking at the flowering stage of its life. Then in two weeks, the honeymoon is over. A closer look at the African Blue Basil. Once you have a lot of roots (see photos), it’s time to. 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. They absolutely love it. An accidental cross between a tall East African basil and ‘Dark Opal’, ‘African Blue’ grows to 1.5-2’ tall when pinched for eating and a 3’x3’ bush if left to bloom. This hearty woody hybrid never does and hence, can flourish and grow tall and fragrant for many years. African Blue Basil is a sterile hybrid edible herb with showy leaves and beautiful flowers. It’s Sara Everett again, guest blogging for Hilary about one of our favorite bee plants: African blue basil. Box 110180 Gainesville, FL 32611-0180 | Phone: (352) 392-1761, This page uses Google Analytics (Google Privacy Policy) | Policies: UF Privacy | SSN Privacy | IFAS Web Policy | EOI Statement | Log in, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. 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. It is a cross between Dark Opal Basil and African Camphor Basil. Genus Ocimum can be aromatic annuals, evergreen perennials or shrubs with opposite, linear to broadly-ovate leaves and small tubular white or pinkish flowers in whorls forming a spike . The African blue basil is by far the most healthy and vibrant plant on Veg Hill, even dominating the mint that has joined it in overtaking the old herb garden. The two are side by side, so when we’re not there to insist on decorum, they trade insults and glare at each other. 00. The bees absolutely love the flowers. Plant it in the full sun in moist well-drained soil. Q: I bought your book “Golden Gate Gardening” specifically for the vegetable planting calendar, which I love and consult all the time. Reply. It produces fuzzy purple leaves that turn green as the leaves grow to full size. June 4, 2014 / gardenmandolin. 'African Blue' is my favorite ornamental basil. Use leaves as you would with common basil in cooking and teas. Usually ships within 3 to 5 weeks. You might have to sacrifice some flowers now to get more later. 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. This variety is often referred to as an accidental hybrid. 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. Thanks for the information. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Basil is easy to grow outdoors during Summer. No hint of slowing down over winter – they’re covered in flowers and bees year round, lots of ladybugs in spring Read more about African Blue Basil – A Beekeeper’s Dream[…] Congratulations to the 5 winners whose names are published at the end of the post! Photo by Beth Bolles, UF IFAS Extension Escambia County. Photo by Beth Bolles, UF IFAS Extension Escambia County. A leaf node is where a pair of leaves meets the stem, and it’s the point where new branches will eventually sprout. Also known as African Blue Basil, this wonder plant is a hybrid of two varieties. 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. The plants in full sun get worked the hardest but there are bees … Notify me of follow-up comments by email. It likes a sunny location with well-drained soil. Global Posts, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and University of Florida, P.O. African Blue Basil is a hybrid between a large basil native to Africa that is high in camphor, and Dark Opal Basil, a cultivar of sweet basil with purple leaves. It’s Sara Everett again, guest blogging for Hilary about one of our favorite bee plants: African blue basil. It’s loaded with nectar. Because it does not produce seed, its flowers do not need to be pinched back to keep the plant growing like other basils. We first learned of African blue basil, ( Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum 'Dark Opal'), through Gordon Frankie, UC Berkeley professor and the late Robbin Thorp, distinguished emeritus professor of entomology at UC Davis. S.F. As a bee plant, African blue basil tops my list because it’s so easy to propagate from cuttings. African Blue Basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum) is one of the best plants to have in your garden for attracting bees and other pollinators. Like other basil varieties, African basil likes soil amended with compost that is well drained. Family Lamiaceae . This plant is a fast grower, reaches about 3’ tall, and it blooms throughout the whole summer season. I have some crazy sized African Blue Basil growing in my back yard, which is covered in bees. Jeff Kerker says that the African Blue Basil will produce flowers all summer. Find a sunny spot you walk by at least once daily, like a kitchen windowsill. One of my favorite staple bee flowers though is African blue basil, a plant that hums with bees from sunup to sundown every day in my garden. I love this plant because it attracts bees and butterflies. 5 out of 5 stars (238) 238 reviews $ 19.97 FREE shipping Favorite Add to Ocimum 'African Blue' African Blue Basil Live Plant in 2.5 Inch Pot CompanionPlants. Attracts bees and butterflies. I plant African Blue Basil in pots every summer for the bees. African Blue is also edible, with a strong basil taste with a stronger hint of the camphor flavour that most basils contain. The two bees quickly left. This hearty herb will buzz with bees 365 days out of the year in the Southern California climate. How and where to Grow: This is a hardy plant that loves full sun and can be planted in either a large pot or in your garden. I use a blend of basil but this is the predominant basil in the blend. 6 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT QUEEN BEES, Basil 101: From Growing & Harvesting Basil to Using it in the Kitchen. If they’re coiled and tangled and a total mess, that’s okay. I did not expect it to return…the bees … Don’t use pesticides or greatly limit their use. $16.99 $ 16. Martie Young Adams County Master Gardener. 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. Check out our african blue basil selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our craft supplies & tools shops. nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/2017/07/05/african-blue-basil-a-pollinator-favorite Rest the roots a single cutting on top of that soil, and don’t worry about how the roots fall into place. African blue basil blooms are very attractive to many native bees and beneficial wasps. Your email address will not be published. Striking long flower spikes of bright mauve-pink. Now take a look at your cutting. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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. That’s actually good news for the foodie gardener. The pollinators love it. Though she teaches about Italian basil, the concepts are the same for African blue basil, and I highly recommend that you watch it if you’re interested in seeing all the steps of propagation. I’ve rooted and planted so many cuttings of my basil all over my yard. 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. Basil, African is a very beautiful plant with aromatic deep green leaves splashed with purple. Pack the soil down with your fingers just a little bit to stabilize the cutting, and water lightly. According to this handy list by the Beekeepers Guild of Santa Barbara, it might even be better than the famed Borage for a nectar source simply because it flowers for a longer period of time. African blue basil is also said to grow more easily indoors, so I’m going to try putting one in a sunny window this winter. The plants in full sun get worked the hardest but there are bees … 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. Honey bees often forage on … Of course, like all basils, you can eat the flowers too. It can easily be grown indoors. 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. Fill your glass jar with water and stick the cuttings in, making sure that 1-3 inches of bare stems are submerged. The flowers are very decorative. This entry was posted on June 2, 2018, in Flowering Plants, Herbs and Vegetables, Insects and Animals and tagged African blue basil, Bacillus thuringiensis, bees, Bt, butterfly, colony collapse disorder, mites, native species, nectar, pollen, pollinators. The Honey Bee and the Praying Mantis. I love the flavor, I makes boat loads of pesto for friends and family. Identify a supple stem that’s purple or green with 4-8 leaf nodes (or more) that’s 6-10 inches long, and make a cut a quarter inch below the bottom node. Interestingly enough, the African Blue Basil is sterile, meaning it won’t produce seeds. It holds up well, flavor does not diminish with freezing for up to 12 months. It’s okay to crowd a bunch of cuttings in the same jar. African Blue basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum x basilicum Dark Opal) is a sterile hybrid of an East African camphor basil and a standard garden variety called Dark Opal. Thanks. The aroma promises a long commitment and fruitful partnership. It’s a beautiful plant, with green-purple foliage; a plump, round growing habit; a bewitching herbal smell; and an eye-catching spray of purple and white flower spikes. I was really happy to see them enjoying my African Blue Basil! Also known as African Blue Basil, this wonder plant is a hybrid of two varieties. African blue basil is one of the very best pollinator plants you can add to your garden, food forest, or edible landscaping plans. Typical varieties of annual basil plants are triggered to end their life cycle by setting seeds. I’m an artist turned beekeeper on a mission to help new beekeepers succeed and educate the public about the magic of bees! Perennial Basil is the what you need. Repeat steps 3-4 for as many cuttings as you want. Basil grows best in full sun locations with moist, well-drained soil. African Blue Basil Herb Plants produce purple-veined leaves with a strong, earthy flavor and a warm, sweet camphor scent. 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. This resulting sterility of the plant was viewed as a good trait because it gave the plant a long season of flowers. When other plants that attract pollinators are providing nothing, we are grateful for that smelly old stick, and so are the bees. the cuttings. It has lovely pink flowers and a deep musky clove flavor. I first learned the details of this technique years ago by watching. Inspect the branch. This is a great companion plant for tomatoes in your homestead garden. Bees love the flowers of 'African Blue' basil. The water stays fresh and the oxygen is highly beneficial to the roots. Seedlings of Perennial Basil and it’s Purple flowering sister plant African Blue Basil are available in stores and at Basilea Farm open day this Saturday I don’t want to cut off what little flower is left and leave the bees with nothing. The result is a larger plant with a slightly stronger flavor than typical basil and that produces a profuse array of light purple flowers (see the video at the end! A cutting will sprout roots directly from the stem if placed in water and given the right conditions. Use leaves as you would with common basil in cooking and teas. about basil propagation on YouTube. Don’t try to root woody stems (bottom of photo), just supple green and purple ones. Sweet Cinnamon Basil (Herb Seeds), 500+ Premium Heirloom Seeds, Sweet Flavor! Flowers are a bee’s primary food and nutrition source, and a flower seems to have it all: carbohydrate-rich nectar, protein-packed pollen, and a medley of nutrients entirely unique to the flower and the type of soil it grows in.

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