How to grow & use Cinnamon basil

Sometimes called sweet Mexican basil it is ideal for Mexican or South American recipes.

It has a very spicy, fragrant aroma and flavour.

Below you will find:

– How to grow cinnamon basil at home

– How to use cinnamon basil & examples recipes

Seed to harvest: 70 days days

Plant Size: Height 60 cm, Spread 35 cm

Ideal location: Loves warm, sunny conditions

Equipment

• Plant pot & soil
• 1 Seed tray (optional)
• 1 Heating mat (optional)

Seeds

• 1 packet Cinnamon basil seeds

Instructions

The first step is to get the basil seeds.

• You can order them online from Amazon or some garden centres will sell them.

The next stage is to put the seeds in the soil.

• Fill a plant pot (or a few pots ) with soil, then add the seeds and sprinkle a bit of soil on top.
• Quick tip – If you put the seeds into a bowl of water for 30 minutes to 1 hour they will start growing quicker then simply putting them in soil.
• Quick tip – Instead of using plants pots start the seeds using a seed tray with a lid. The advantage of using a lid is that it will retain the moisture helping your plants grow. Simply put a bit of soil in the tray, spoon in the seeds and cover with a bit of soil.

Then simply put the pot or tray somewhere safe and leave them to sprout.

• The seeds will germinate in 12 to 40 days.
• Quick tip – Use a heat mat. All you do is put the tray on the mat and the extra heat will significantly speed up how fast your seeds will grow.
• For more info & why it works so well have a look at our article on a seed starter mat

Help them grow

• When they’ve grown thin the seedlings or transplant leaving 30 cm between plants, Then simple put them somewhere warm and sunny and wait for them to grow.
• One option (depending on the time of year or where you live) is to use an indoor grow light.

Notes

It is ideally suited for planting outside in a pot on a balcony or terrace or inside on a sunny windowsill (or using lighting)

How to grow Cinnamon basil indoors (hydroponics or aquaponics)

Because of the importance of moisture and light it is ideally suited for hydroponics with additional lights.

Not only are they easier to grow, but you will also get fast results.

New to hydroponics? – Top 5 hydroponic kits for beginners

2. Cinnamon Basil recipe examples.

This basil can be very difficult to get in shops but is very easy to grow at home.

And is the ideal herb to grow if you like cooking Central American Dishes. For example Mexican or South American.

It is also known as Mexican spice basil, has a spicy, fragrant aroma and flavor. It can be used not only in pastas & salads but also in cookies, pies and even ice cream.

Typical recipes:

• Cinnamon Basil Goat Cheese Pesto
• Cinnamon Basil Muffins

Quick summary

• This type of basil has a spicy, fragrant aroma and flavor. It contains methyl cinnamate, the same chemical that gives cinnamon its flavour.
• It requires six to eight hours of bright sunlight per day. Although it is often grown as an annual, it is a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11. Cinnamon basil is sometimes planted near tomatoes and roses to discourage pests such as whiteflies.
• It has somewhat narrow, slightly serrated, dark green, shiny leaves with reddish-purple veins, which can resemble certain types of mint, and produces small, pink flowers from July to September. Its stems are dark purple.

More information

• Where to buy Basil