Cinnamon

Basil

Zone 9b Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Upright

Fragrant as a warm spice trunk—Cinnamon Basil releases a cinnamon-sweet perfume the moment you brush its leaves, with a gentle he…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 29th
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 23rd
Harvest Begins	May 22nd
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Ocimum basilicum (cinnamon basil), and how can I manage it?

Cinnamon basil is prone to downy mildew (yellow patches on leaves with gray-purple growth on the underside) in humid weather. Remove and discard infected leaves, improve airflow with wider spacing, and water the soil directly so foliage stays dry. If it keeps recurring, rotate away from basils and apply a copper-based fungicide label-approved for basil when you first see symptoms.

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during the main growing phase?

During active leaf growth, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week total, adjusted for heat and container size. Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, and avoid frequent shallow watering that encourages stressed, disease-prone plants. Mulch around the base helps stabilize moisture for this fast-growing basil.

How do I know when cinnamon basil is ready to harvest?

Start harvesting once plants are about 8–10 inches tall (typically around 60 days), with multiple sets of true leaves. Harvest by cutting above a leaf pair so the plant can branch, and take lighter harvests early on, then more frequently as the canopy fills in. Stop major harvests when flowering begins if you want maximum leaf quality and cinnamon-sweet aroma.

Fragrant as a warm spice trunk—Cinnamon Basil releases a cinnamon-sweet perfume the moment you brush its leaves, with a gentle herbal backbone and a softly peppery lift. The foliage is tender and richly textured, forming a lush, upright mound of glossy leaves that hold their character beautifully in fresh use and when warmed. Grow Cinnamon Basil for bold, aromatic flavor in herb-forward dishes, pesto-style sauces, and fragrant finishing touches—an easy way to perfume your garden and your table with a distinctive, cinnamon-kissed signature.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Start indoors and transplant only after nights are consistently warm (basil hates cold), then pinch regularly to keep plants bushy for heavier leaf harvests.