{"product_id":"ocimum-kilimandscharicum-african-blue","title":"African Blue Basil","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfrican Blue Basil (\u003cem\u003eOcimum kilimandscharicum\u003c\/em\u003e 'African Blue') is a dramatic, aromatic perennial basil hybrid that stands apart from every other basil in the garden with its striking purple-veined, blue-green foliage and its extraordinary, long-season ornamental appeal. Unlike annual culinary basils that bolt and fade with the summer heat, African Blue is a sterile hybrid that never sets seed — instead channeling all its energy into continuous, exuberant growth and an exceptional, months-long display of violet-purple flower spikes that are among the most pollinator-attractive blooms in the herb garden. The camphor-spiced, intensely aromatic foliage is prized for fresh culinary use, herbal teas, infused oils, and culinary garnishing throughout the entire growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCultivated from Professional Grade root systems with an organic heritage, African Blue Basil serves double duty as a productive culinary herb and a showpiece ornamental in sunny borders, raised kitchen beds, and large patio containers. Its robust, upright, shrubby habit grows impressively large by season's end, making it a bold \"thriller\" element in mixed plantings. The purple flower spikes are an extraordinary magnet for bees, particularly honeybees and bumblebees, which work the blooms from morning through evening in a constant, buzzing, wildlife spectacle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNever-Bolting Perennial Basil:\u003c\/strong\u003e As a sterile hybrid, African Blue never sets seed and never bolts — delivering continuous, vigorous foliage production and bloom throughout the entire warm season without the premature decline that plagues annual culinary basils.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtraordinary Pollinator Magnet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dense violet-purple flower spikes are among the most powerfully bee-attractive blooms in any herb garden — honeybees, bumblebees, and native bees work the flowers tirelessly from dawn to dusk throughout the long bloom season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBold Ornamental Presence:\u003c\/strong\u003e Purple-veined blue-green foliage and dramatic violet flower spikes create a striking ornamental display that earns African Blue a prominent place in mixed borders and container arrangements far beyond the herb garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntensely Aromatic Culinary Herb:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich, camphor-spiced aromatic foliage is prized fresh and dried for culinary use in Southeast Asian, Italian, and fusion cuisines — outstanding in herb oils, compound butters, fresh salads, and garnishing throughout the season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeat-Powered Season-Long Performer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thrives in intense summer heat and humidity, growing more vigorous, lush, and productive as temperatures rise — a true warm-season powerhouse that peaks precisely when the garden is at its hottest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese 4\" healthy live plants thrive in full sun — at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily — in well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic compost. Water consistently and deeply; basil prefers evenly moist conditions but excellent drainage is important to prevent root rot. A heat-loving warm-season herb: transplant outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed and temperatures are consistently warm. In USDA Zones 9–11, African Blue Basil may overwinter as a perennial; in all other zones, grow as a warm-season annual and harvest freely until the first frost. Pinch flower spikes regularly if maximum foliage harvest is desired; allow to bloom freely to maximize pollinator activity and ornamental impact.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Planted Places","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48324806869206,"sku":"2OCMAFB4","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0293\/2496\/8075\/files\/OCIMUM_kilimandscharicum_African_Blue.png?v=1780616785","url":"https:\/\/www.plantedplaces.com\/products\/ocimum-kilimandscharicum-african-blue","provider":"Planted Places","version":"1.0","type":"link"}