Basil
'African Blue'

When I first saw ‘African Blue’ basil in bloom, I was amazed. I had never seen so many bees on one plant! A must for beekeepers and additionally the leaves make a very tasty pesto. It is very cold tolerant and the only basil that does well in the San Francisco fog. An accidental cross between a tall East African basil and ‘Dark Opal’, ‘African Blue’ grows to 1.5-2’ tall when pinched for eating and a 3’x3’ bush if left to bloom. Purple buds open to lavender flowers and the leaves may have purple speckles on the underside. It does not set seeds and thus keeps growing/blooming until frost. Pinch your plant to encourage bushiness, then plant in full sun and well amended soil. Keep moist for the best flavor.