African Basil

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add African Basil to a garden.

Experience the aromatic allure of African Basil, with its vibrant green leaves that exude a warm, spicy fragrance.

This variety offers a unique flavor profile, combining sweet basil notes with hints of anise and clove, making it an exceptional addition to fresh salads, pestos, and herbal blends. Its lush foliage and robust growth make it a delightful choice for any home garden, inviting you to explore its culinary potential.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

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African Basil Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Apr 20th	Jul 13th	Sep 11th – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	Apr 13th	Jul 6th	Sep 4th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Apr 3rd	Jun 26th	Aug 25th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Apr 3rd	Jun 26th	Aug 25th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Apr 7th	Jun 30th	Aug 29th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Apr 3rd	Jun 26th	Aug 25th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Apr 1st	Jun 24th	Aug 23rd – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Mar 27th	Jun 19th	Aug 18th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Mar 23rd	Jun 15th	Aug 14th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Mar 20th	Jun 12th	Aug 11th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Mar 14th	Jun 6th	Aug 5th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 9th	Jun 1st	Jul 31st – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Feb 27th	May 22nd	Jul 21st – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Feb 18th	May 13th	Jul 12th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Feb 9th	May 4th	Jul 3rd – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Jan 23rd	Apr 17th	Jun 16th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Dec 29th	Mar 23rd	May 22nd – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

African basil brings a more assertive, anise-and-clove character than standard Genovese—so use it like a spice as much as an herb. Add it late or fold it in after heat so the leaves stay vibrant and don’t turn bitter.

Best Uses

pounding into a coarse, fragrant green pesto that clings to pasta and bread
finishing fresh salads and fruit plates where the licorice-clove note can show off
stirring into herb butters and pan sauces at the end for a clean, spicy perfume
muddling into vinaigrettes or quick marinades for grilled meats

Flavor Profile

warm, spicy aromatics sweet basil foundation with anise-clove lift tender leafy bite with a slightly peppery finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lime or lemon ginger black pepper chicken olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my African basil leaves developing small holes and sticky residue, and what should I do?

Small holes plus sticky sap and leaf speckling are often signs of aphids or thrips chewing/sucking on African basil. Spray the undersides of leaves with a strong jet of water, then apply insecticidal soap in the evening and repeat every 5–7 days until new growth is clean. Check often for reinfestation, especially on tender tips and under leaves.

How often should I water African basil during its main growth (after it’s established)?

Water African basil when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, which is typically about 1–2 times per week in full sun depending on your heat. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged—dry spells cause leaf drop, while soggy soil can lead to root problems and weak growth. Use a slow, thorough watering at the soil line so moisture reaches the root zone.

How can I tell when African basil is ready to harvest (about 60 days)?

Harvest when plants reach about 8–12 inches tall and the leaves are fully formed with strong fragrance, usually around 60 days from sowing. Pinch or cut just above a pair of leaves to encourage branching, taking no more than about one-third of the plant at a time for best regrowth. If the plants start forming flower buds, harvest sooner and more frequently to keep leaves tender.