This fast-growingtype of basilhas distinctive violet central stems with long, deep green leaves.
If left unpruned, cinnamon basil turns into an attractive flowering plant with lavender-pink blooms.
For a constant supply of cinnamon basil, reseed it every four to six weeks.
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Selecting a Planting Site
Find alocation with full sunmost of the day and fertile, well-drained soil.
Like with all garden crops, following crop rotation rules is key for healthy plants.
Spacing, Depth, and Support
Space the plants 8 to 12 inches apart.
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Cinnamon basil has a strong central stem and does not require support.
However, it does not compete well with weeds.Mulching around the planthelps to suppress weeds and preserves soil moisture.
If the soil is poor, amend it with organic matter before planting.
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In the absence of regular rainfall, water it deeply every week, more often during hot summer weather.
Temperature and Humidity
Cinnamon basil is a warm-weather plant that reaches its peak in the summer.
It does not take a frost to make it unusablein cool weather, the leaves turn black.
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High humidity becomes an issue if the plants are crowded and there is not sufficient airflow.
Fertilizer
Although basil is harvested frequently, it needs only a moderate amount of fertilizer.
For plants in the garden, applying a 5-10-5 once or twice during the growing season is sufficient.
For potted plants, use a liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, every four to six weeks.
Too much fertilizer leads to rapid plant growth and diminished foliage flavor.
They are notcinnamon basilOcimum basilicumCinnamon and Thai basil (O. basilicumvar.thyrsiflora)are two different basil varieties.
The leaves are different, too.
Cinnamon basil has narrower, more delicate, more serrated, and shinier leaves than Thai basil.
Good companions for basil include tomatoes, peppers, carrots, beets, garlic, lettuce, and asparagus.
Other herbs, such as cilantro, dill, and marjoram, are equally good neighbors.
For example, a basil plant that is shaded by a tall tomato plant will do poorly.
Regular harvesting forces the plant to grow more leaves and prevents the formation of flowers.
Once the plant has started blooming, the flavor becomes too strong.
Harvesting just before use is ideal.
Cinnamon basil in containers need more watering than plants in garden soil.
Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
Repotting cinnamon basil during its single-season lifespan is not necessary.
Left alone, cinnamon basil should flower by midsummer.
Dig it up, plant it in a pot, and bring it indoors.
In wet conditions, root rot may occur.
The most common pests of basil are aphids, Japanese beetles, and slugs.
Theapplication of insecticidal soaphelps to control soft-bodied insects.
Japanese beetles are best hand-picked and tossed in soapy water.
Diatomaceous earth is effective against slugs, but it must be reapplied after a rainfall.
Both the spice and this variety of basil contain the chemical cinnamate, giving them their flavor.
This basil gets its name because it contains the same ingredient as cinnamon: methyl cinnamate.
Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
