Clove Basil

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Aromatic and unmistakably bold, Clove Basil releases a warm clove-like fragrance the moment you brush its leaves—sweet, spicy, and deeply fragrant.

The foliage is tender and lush with a smooth, slightly glossy texture, forming an upright, well-branched plant that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. Grow Clove Basil for standout fresh use and for fragrant finishing in sauces, infused oils, and vinegar—its distinctive aroma shines whether you’re garnishing or steeping.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Shrub

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 13th
Harvest Begins	Aug 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Shrub
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

Clove basil hits with a sweet, warm clove-spice aroma that can turn sharp if simmered too long—keep heat low or steep it briefly and finish off-heat. It’s a standout for aromatic oils and vinegars, where its fragrance stays front-of-palate instead of getting buried under heavier flavors.

Best Uses

tear-and-stuff fresh into dumplings or flatbread right before eating so the aroma doesn’t fade
steep for clove-basil infused oil or vinegar—then drizzle over fried foods and roasted vegetables
finish soups, beans, and braises off-heat for a fragrant top note
blend into pistachio or cashew pesto style sauces without turning bitter

Flavor Profile

sweet-clove perfume warm, spicy edge tender, glossy leaves with a clean basil-green bite fragrant and aromatic even at low amounts

Kitchen Pairings

lemon garlic olive oil butter black pepper aged cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Ocimum gratissimum (clove basil), and how do I control it?

Clove basil is often hit by aphids and whiteflies, especially in warm, still conditions; you’ll see clusters on new growth and sticky honeydew. Spray affected plants with a strong jet of water, then apply insecticidal soap (especially on leaf undersides) and repeat every 5–7 days until activity stops. If you notice black spots or leaf yellowing with damp, crowded foliage, thin plants for airflow and avoid wetting leaves when watering.

How often should I water Ocimum gratissimum during active growth, and what soil moisture should I maintain?

During the main growing phase, keep soil consistently evenly moist but not soggy—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly between waterings. In full sun summer conditions, this often means watering about 1–2 times per week, but adjust to rainfall and container vs. ground conditions. Water at the base early in the day to prevent leaf wetness that can worsen spotting and stress.

How can I tell when clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach roughly 8–12 inches tall and have developed multiple healthy sets of leaves, typically around 60 days from sowing. For the best clove-like aroma, pick before plants flower—when flower buds first appear, leaf flavor and softness usually decline. Use scissors to cut the top 1/3 of stems or snip individual leaves above a leaf pair to encourage branching and repeat harvests.