Basil Seeds - Blue Spice
Estimated delivery between February 04 and February 07.
Basil Seeds – Blue Spice
Blue Spice Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a unique and aromatic variety of basil, prized for its distinctive blue-green foliage and spicy, aromatic flavor. Often referred to as "Thai basil" or "blue basil," it adds a special touch to culinary dishes while also offering ornamental beauty in the garden. With its vibrant color and complex flavor profile, Blue Spice Basil is an excellent addition for herb gardens, culinary enthusiasts, and gardeners looking for something different.
Key Features of Blue Spice Basil Seeds
Distinctive Blue-Green Foliage
Blue Spice Basil is known for its striking blue-green leaves, which set it apart from traditional basil varieties. The leaves have a slightly purple hue, which makes this basil an attractive plant in both herb gardens and ornamental gardens. The plant’s vibrant color provides a beautiful contrast to the typical green of other herbs.
Spicy, Anise-Like Flavor
Blue Spice Basil has a unique flavor profile that combines the familiar taste of basil with a hint of anise and cloves. Its bold, spicy flavor is perfect for adding complexity to a wide range of dishes, including Thai, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine. It can be used fresh or dried in salads, soups, curries, sauces, and more.
Compact Growth Habit
This basil variety grows in a compact, bushy shape, typically reaching around 18-24 inches in height. Its compact size makes it ideal for growing in containers, small garden spaces, or window boxes, allowing gardeners with limited space to enjoy this aromatic herb.
Fragrant Flowers
Blue Spice Basil produces small, purple flowers that are both ornamental and attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. While the flowers are beautiful, it's the leaves that are prized for culinary use, which can be harvested before flowering to maintain optimal flavor.
Benefits of Blue Spice Basil Seeds
Unique Flavor Profile
Blue Spice Basil provides a refreshing twist on the traditional basil taste. Its spicy, slightly licorice-like flavor enhances a variety of dishes, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks who enjoy experimenting with bold flavors.
Perfect for Small Spaces
With its compact growth habit, Blue Spice Basil is ideal for container gardening, patios, balconies, and windowsills. It thrives in small spaces, making it perfect for urban gardeners or those with limited outdoor room.
Easy to Grow and Maintain
Blue Spice Basil is easy to grow, requiring minimal care once established. It thrives in sunny locations and well-draining soil, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners. This herb is also tolerant of moderate heat and humidity, allowing it to grow successfully in various climates.
Attracts Pollinators
The fragrant flowers of Blue Spice Basil attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, supporting local pollination efforts. This makes it a great addition to any garden aiming to boost biodiversity.
How to Plant and Care for Blue Spice Basil Seeds
Starting Seeds
To start Blue Spice Basil seeds, sow them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Use a seed-starting mix and lightly press the seeds into the soil, as basil seeds require light to germinate. Keep the soil moist and provide warmth, with temperatures between 70-75°F (21-24°C), and place the seeds in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days.
Transplanting Seedlings
Once the seedlings have sprouted and grown large enough to handle, transplant them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, or into larger containers if growing indoors. Ensure that the plants are spaced about 12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and healthy growth.
Watering
Basil prefers consistently moist soil but doesn’t tolerate soggy conditions. Water the plants regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease and always ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Lighting
Blue Spice Basil requires full sun to thrive. Ensure that it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to promote healthy growth and maximize flavor production. If growing indoors, place the plant near a south-facing window or under grow lights.
Temperature and Humidity
This basil variety prefers warm temperatures, thriving between 70-85°F (21-29°C). It also appreciates moderate humidity, which can be maintained by regular watering and, if necessary, placing the plant on a humidity tray or using a room humidifier.
Pruning and Harvesting
To encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy, pinch back the growing tips regularly. Blue Spice Basil leaves can be harvested once the plant has reached a sufficient size, usually around 6-8 weeks after planting. Pick the leaves as needed, but be sure to leave some for continued growth.
Flowering
If you prefer to use the basil for its leaves, it's best to pinch off any flowers as they begin to form to ensure the plant's energy goes into leaf production. However, if you're growing it for ornamental purposes or to attract pollinators, you can let the flowers bloom. The flowers are small, purple, and clustered at the top of the plant.
Harvesting and Propagating Blue Spice Basil
Leaf Cuttings for Propagation
Blue Spice Basil can be easily propagated by taking 4-6 inch cuttings from a healthy plant. Remove the lower leaves, place the cuttings in a glass of water, and wait for roots to develop. Once the roots have formed, transplant the cutting into soil.
Seed Saving
To save Blue Spice Basil seeds, allow some flowers to mature and produce seeds. Once the flowers have dried and the seeds have turned brown, harvest the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.
Perfect For:
- Culinary Gardens: Adds an exotic touch to any herb or vegetable garden, perfect for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors in their cooking.
- Containers and Small Spaces: Ideal for growing on patios, balconies, or windowsills where space is limited.
- Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and butterflies with its fragrant flowers.
- Gift Giving: A wonderful gift for gardeners and culinary enthusiasts who enjoy growing unique herbs.
Why Choose Blue Spice Basil Seeds?
Blue Spice Basil Seeds offer the chance to grow a unique, flavorful herb that’s both beautiful and practical. With its aromatic, spicy flavor and vibrant, blue-green foliage, this basil variety enhances both culinary dishes and garden landscapes. Whether you're a beginner gardener or an experienced grower, Blue Spice Basil is an easy-to-care-for herb that rewards you with months of flavorful leaves and stunning flowers. Cultivate this unique basil and enjoy its exotic charm in your garden or kitchen.
Dharaseeds
Basil Seeds - Blue Spice
Estimated delivery between February 04 and February 07.
Basil Seeds – Blue Spice
Blue Spice Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a unique and aromatic variety of basil, prized for its distinctive blue-green foliage and spicy, aromatic flavor. Often referred to as "Thai basil" or "blue basil," it adds a special touch to culinary dishes while also offering ornamental beauty in the garden. With its vibrant color and complex flavor profile, Blue Spice Basil is an excellent addition for herb gardens, culinary enthusiasts, and gardeners looking for something different.
Key Features of Blue Spice Basil Seeds
Distinctive Blue-Green Foliage
Blue Spice Basil is known for its striking blue-green leaves, which set it apart from traditional basil varieties. The leaves have a slightly purple hue, which makes this basil an attractive plant in both herb gardens and ornamental gardens. The plant’s vibrant color provides a beautiful contrast to the typical green of other herbs.
Spicy, Anise-Like Flavor
Blue Spice Basil has a unique flavor profile that combines the familiar taste of basil with a hint of anise and cloves. Its bold, spicy flavor is perfect for adding complexity to a wide range of dishes, including Thai, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine. It can be used fresh or dried in salads, soups, curries, sauces, and more.
Compact Growth Habit
This basil variety grows in a compact, bushy shape, typically reaching around 18-24 inches in height. Its compact size makes it ideal for growing in containers, small garden spaces, or window boxes, allowing gardeners with limited space to enjoy this aromatic herb.
Fragrant Flowers
Blue Spice Basil produces small, purple flowers that are both ornamental and attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. While the flowers are beautiful, it's the leaves that are prized for culinary use, which can be harvested before flowering to maintain optimal flavor.
Benefits of Blue Spice Basil Seeds
Unique Flavor Profile
Blue Spice Basil provides a refreshing twist on the traditional basil taste. Its spicy, slightly licorice-like flavor enhances a variety of dishes, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks who enjoy experimenting with bold flavors.
Perfect for Small Spaces
With its compact growth habit, Blue Spice Basil is ideal for container gardening, patios, balconies, and windowsills. It thrives in small spaces, making it perfect for urban gardeners or those with limited outdoor room.
Easy to Grow and Maintain
Blue Spice Basil is easy to grow, requiring minimal care once established. It thrives in sunny locations and well-draining soil, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners. This herb is also tolerant of moderate heat and humidity, allowing it to grow successfully in various climates.
Attracts Pollinators
The fragrant flowers of Blue Spice Basil attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, supporting local pollination efforts. This makes it a great addition to any garden aiming to boost biodiversity.
How to Plant and Care for Blue Spice Basil Seeds
Starting Seeds
To start Blue Spice Basil seeds, sow them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Use a seed-starting mix and lightly press the seeds into the soil, as basil seeds require light to germinate. Keep the soil moist and provide warmth, with temperatures between 70-75°F (21-24°C), and place the seeds in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days.
Transplanting Seedlings
Once the seedlings have sprouted and grown large enough to handle, transplant them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, or into larger containers if growing indoors. Ensure that the plants are spaced about 12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and healthy growth.
Watering
Basil prefers consistently moist soil but doesn’t tolerate soggy conditions. Water the plants regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease and always ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Lighting
Blue Spice Basil requires full sun to thrive. Ensure that it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to promote healthy growth and maximize flavor production. If growing indoors, place the plant near a south-facing window or under grow lights.
Temperature and Humidity
This basil variety prefers warm temperatures, thriving between 70-85°F (21-29°C). It also appreciates moderate humidity, which can be maintained by regular watering and, if necessary, placing the plant on a humidity tray or using a room humidifier.
Pruning and Harvesting
To encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy, pinch back the growing tips regularly. Blue Spice Basil leaves can be harvested once the plant has reached a sufficient size, usually around 6-8 weeks after planting. Pick the leaves as needed, but be sure to leave some for continued growth.
Flowering
If you prefer to use the basil for its leaves, it's best to pinch off any flowers as they begin to form to ensure the plant's energy goes into leaf production. However, if you're growing it for ornamental purposes or to attract pollinators, you can let the flowers bloom. The flowers are small, purple, and clustered at the top of the plant.
Harvesting and Propagating Blue Spice Basil
Leaf Cuttings for Propagation
Blue Spice Basil can be easily propagated by taking 4-6 inch cuttings from a healthy plant. Remove the lower leaves, place the cuttings in a glass of water, and wait for roots to develop. Once the roots have formed, transplant the cutting into soil.
Seed Saving
To save Blue Spice Basil seeds, allow some flowers to mature and produce seeds. Once the flowers have dried and the seeds have turned brown, harvest the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.
Perfect For:
- Culinary Gardens: Adds an exotic touch to any herb or vegetable garden, perfect for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors in their cooking.
- Containers and Small Spaces: Ideal for growing on patios, balconies, or windowsills where space is limited.
- Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and butterflies with its fragrant flowers.
- Gift Giving: A wonderful gift for gardeners and culinary enthusiasts who enjoy growing unique herbs.
Why Choose Blue Spice Basil Seeds?
Blue Spice Basil Seeds offer the chance to grow a unique, flavorful herb that’s both beautiful and practical. With its aromatic, spicy flavor and vibrant, blue-green foliage, this basil variety enhances both culinary dishes and garden landscapes. Whether you're a beginner gardener or an experienced grower, Blue Spice Basil is an easy-to-care-for herb that rewards you with months of flavorful leaves and stunning flowers. Cultivate this unique basil and enjoy its exotic charm in your garden or kitchen.
Non-GMO
Dharaseeds are Non-GMO and free from genetically modified organisms.
High Germination Rate
Tested for high viability to ensure successful sprouting.
Heirloom Variety
Open-pollinated seeds preserved for quality and authenticity.
Chemical-Free
Free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and additives.