African Blue Basil

African Blue Basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum ‘Dark Opal’) – 4–5 Inch Pot
Available in Jupiter, FL. at Urban Abundance.

Fragrant, floral, and pollinator-approved—African Blue Basil is a heat-tolerant hybrid that’s both beautiful and bold. With deep green and purple-tinged leaves, this aromatic herb is prized for its strong camphor scent, ornamental appeal, and nonstop blooms that bees can’t resist. A member of the Lamiaceae family, African Blue Basil is a warm-season perennial herb in South Florida, thriving through our long summers and dry winters alike.

Sold in a 4–5 inch pot, this vigorous basil is ideal for edible landscapes, pollinator borders, or large pots near the kitchen.

Sunlight Needs: Full sun—6–8 hours of direct light daily.
Watering Needs: Moderate. Water deeply and let the top inch of soil dry slightly between waterings.
Soil Requirements: Rich, well-drained soil with compost. Ideal pH: 6.0–7.0.
Growth Habit: Tall, bushy plant with upright growth. Can reach 3–4 feet tall and wide.
Harvest Timing: Harvest regularly once established. Pick young leaves for the best flavor. Blooms profusely.
Heat Tolerance: Excellent. One of the few basils that thrives through South Florida summers.
Special Features:

• Gorgeous ornamental foliage and purple flower spikes

• Extremely attractive to bees and pollinators

• Stronger, more complex flavor than sweet basil

• Great for teas, infused oils, garnishes, and garden borders

South Florida Notes: African Blue Basil doesn’t bolt like traditional basil, making it a perennial performer here. It’s a pollinator magnet and can flower year-round in South Florida. Use it in herbal teas, bee-friendly plantings, or as a fragrant garden accent.

Next steps after purchase:

• Transplant into full sun with compost-rich, well-drained soil

• Water regularly and mulch to conserve moisture

• Pinch tips early to encourage bushiness

• Harvest leaves often, especially before flowering for culinary use

• Let some flower to support pollinators and enjoy the visual drama

This is a warm-season perennial herb—meaning it lives for multiple seasons and can grow year-round in South Florida with light pruning and care.