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Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon'): Spicy-Sweet Basil with Warm Cinnamon Notes

Cinnamon basil plant

Cinnamon basil leaves

Cinnamon basil flowers

Cinnamon basil habit

Overview

Cinnamon basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon') is a distinctive basil cultivar with olive-green leaves, purple stems, and a warm, spicy cinnamon aroma and flavor (methyl cinnamate). It grows 18-24 inches tall with pink to purple flower spikes. A delightful addition to fruit dishes, teas, and baked goods.

Botanical Details

Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Genus: Ocimum
Species: basilicum
Cultivar: 'Cinnamon'

Growing & Uses

Plant after frost in full sun, fertile, well-drained soil. Pinch for bushiness. Use fresh in fruit salads, melon, peach desserts, cinnamon basil ice cream, teas, cocktails. Pairs well with chocolate, citrus. Beautiful in containers, herb gardens. Annual; save seed.

Herbs: Hosta 'Cinnamon Sticks' – Warm Tones from 2009; Daylily 'Cinnamon Roll': A 1971 P. Roberts Hybrid; Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum): The King of Culinary Herbs; Red Rubin Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Red Rubin'): Deep Purple Foliage for Ornamental and Culinary Use; Lime Basil (Ocimum americanum 'Lime'): Zesty Citrus Basil for Drinks and Desserts; Purple Ruffles Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Purple Ruffles'): Frilly, Deep Purple Leaves for Texture and Flavor; Purple Basil 'Purple Delight' (Ocimum basilicum 'Purple Delight'): Rich Purple Foliage for Color and Flavor; Sweet Genovese Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Sweet Genovese'): The Classic Italian Basil for Pesto Perfection; Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Thai'): Aromatic Herb for Southeast Asian Cuisine; Pistou Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Pistou'): Compact French Variety for Small Spaces

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