'African Blue' Basil
'African Blue' basil is an aromatic and ornamental variety of basil, highly prized for its dark green, slightly purple foliage, purplish stems, and decorative mauve blossoms. More robust and spectacular than many classic basils, it forms a generous, bushy plant that quickly adds color, fragrance, and volume to pots, herb containers, urban vegetable gardens, and edible flowerbeds. Its aroma is intense, slightly spicy, and camphor-like, perfect for flavoring Mediterranean dishes, sauces, salads, marinades, grilled vegetables, and summer recipes.
Easy to grow in warm weather, 'African Blue' basil prefers a very sunny, warm, and wind-sheltered location, in fertile, light, and well-drained soil. It performs very well in containers on a terrace or balcony, but can also be planted directly in the ground in a vegetable garden or herb garden. Regular watering promotes good growth, while avoiding excess water which can harm the roots. To maintain a dense and productive plant, it is recommended to regularly harvest young shoots and lightly prune the stems as needed.
Very interesting for pollinators, 'African Blue' basil produces abundant blooms that attract bees and add great ecological value to the garden. Unlike more traditional basils, it retains excellent decorative interest even when flowering, making it a perfect choice for gourmet landscaping, aromatic gardens, and summer container plantings. With its fragrant foliage, mauve flowers, and distinctive appearance, this basil is ideal for creating an outdoor space that is both useful, colorful, and lively.
Care guide
Choosing this plant
Light, soil, water and hardiness
Blooming, foliage and shape
Size and growth
Companion planting, spacing and harvest
Pets
Butterflies
Hummingbirds
Repellent
The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.
