Cinnamon basil combines the flavor of traditional basil with that of sweet cinnamon, making it a perfectly unique addition to any herb garden. This fast-growing type of basil has distinctive violet central stems with long, deep green leaves. If left unpruned, cinnamon basil turns into an attractive flowering plant with lavender-pink blooms. Cinnamon basil grows up to 3 feet tall, but it can be kept much smaller for containers and limited space. In addition to being an attractive edible ornamental, its pest-repellant properties also make it an excellent companion plant for several popular garden crops, including tomatoes. How to Plant Cinnamon Basil When to Plant Whether you plant nursery-grown basil or start your own plants from seed outdoors, you’ll need to wait until there is no further danger of frost, when temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees during the day and above 50 degrees at night. To get a head start on the growing season, start the seeds indoors about one month before your last average frost date. For a constant supply of cinnamon basil, reseed it every four to six weeks. Selecting a Planting Site Find a location with full sun most of the day and fertile, well-drained soil. Like with all garden crops, following crop rotation rules is key for healthy plants. Don’t plant basil in the same spot where you have grown basil or other members of the mint family (lavender, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, mint) in the past two or three years. Spacing, Depth, and Support Space the plants 8 to 12 inches apart. Cinnamon basil has a strong central stem and does not require support. However, it does not compete well with weeds. Mulching around the plant helps to suppress weeds and preserves soil moisture. Cinnamon Basil Plant Care Light Basil needs plenty of sunshine, between 8 and 12 hours of sunlight every day. Soil The soil should be moist, moderately rich, and well-draining, ranging from mildly acidic to neutral pH. If the soil is poor, amend it with organic matter before planting. Water Unlike herbs with thick leaves, basil needs moisture; it is not drought-tolerant and prone to damage under heat stress. 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 unusable—in cool weather, the leaves turn black. 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. Cinnamon Basil vs. Thai Basil What is commonly known as Thai basil in North America is sometimes also called cinnamon basil, leading to people wondering whether they are the same thing. They are not—cinnamon basil Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon’ and Thai basil (O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora) are two different basil varieties. Cinnamon basil has a distinctive cinnamon spice taste; it has a fresh, earthy aroma with no traces of anise. Thai basil, on the other hand, has a distinctive taste of black licorice or sweet anise and no hints of cinnamon. The leaves are different, too. Cinnamon basil has narrower, more delicate, more serrated, and shinier leaves than Thai basil. Companion Plants for Cinnamon Basil Cinnamon basil makes an excellent companion plant for many garden crops because it deters pests such as aphids, thrips, tomato hornworms, and different flies, such as carrot flies and whiteflies.1 And it attracts beneficial pollinating insects, including bees and butterflies. 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. When planting basil next to garden crops, take into consideration the mature size of the neighboring plant and how it affects sun exposure. For example, a basil plant that is shaded by a tall tomato plant will do poorly. Harvesting Cinnamon Basil Cinnamon basil takes about 65 days from seeding to maturity, but you can start harvesting lightly after plants have become established. Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut off individual leaves at the tip of the stems or remove the entire stem tips with one or two sets of leaves. Once the plant is full and bushy, it is also possible to harvest entire stems by cutting them just above a pair of leaves. 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. The best time to cut basil is in the early morning; in cooler temperatures, it is less prone to wilting. Harvesting just before use is ideal. If you need to store it, keep it in a moderately cool place above 50 degrees F. How to Grow Cinnamon Basil in Pots Cinnamon basil makes an excellent container plant. Choose a container that is at least 6 inches in diameter and has large drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting mix. Because cinnamon basil gets quite big, and overcrowding leads to fungal problems, it is best to give the plant its own container or use a planter large enough to space the plants at least 12 inches apart. 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. Pruning Harvesting basil regularly usually takes care of the pruning in one fell swoop yet there are some things to know about pruning cinnamon basil. If you are growing cinnamon basil for culinary use, the goal is to get it to grow as many leaves as possible without flowering. Pinch off the central stem when the seedlings are about six weeks old, and be diligent to remove all flower buds as soon as you detect them. If you are growing cinnamon basil as an ornamental, for its edible flowers, or as a pollinator magnet, there is no need to prune anything else but the central stem when the plant is about 6 inches tall to encourage branching. Left alone, cinnamon basil should flower by midsummer. How to Grow Cinnamon Basil From Seed The primary propagation method for cinnamon basil is to start it from seed either indoors or outdoors. Start the seeds indoors about four to six weeks before your last average frost date. Plant the seeds ¼ inch deeps in seed starting trays or flats filled with sterile potting mix. Keep the soil evenly moist. At a temperature between 65 to 70 degrees, germination takes six to ten days. The seedlings need plenty of sunlight; if you don’t have a south- or west-facing window, place them under grow lights for at least 8 hours daily. Harden off the seedlings before transplanting them in the garden well after the last frost. Follow the same directions for direct seeding outdoors after the last frost when the soil has warmed to at least 70 degrees F. Keep the soil evenly moist. When the seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin them so there is 8 to 12 inches between plants. Overwintering Like all basil, cinnamon basil is sensitive to temperatures below 50 degrees F. Most gardeners don’t bother protecting the plant from the cold because by the end of the summer or early fall, the plant has exhausted its energy reserves. If your plant still looks vigorous and healthy when temperatures drop, you can try to extend its lifespan. Dig it up, plant it in a pot, and bring it indoors. Place it near a south- or west-facing window or under grow lights for at least 10 hours daily while keeping it evenly moist. You might get a few more weeks out of it but even with the best care, the plant won’t last over the winter. Common Pests and Plant Diseases Basil is mostly unbothered by serious pests and diseases, but it can get fusarium wilt, gray mold, bacterial wilt, bacterial leaf spot, and downy mildew. In wet conditions, root rot may occur. The most common pests of basil are aphids, Japanese beetles, and slugs. The application of insecticidal soap helps 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.

If you’re looking for a unique flower to grow this year, try growing pineapple lilies. These flowers produce tall greenish-white to pink bracts that actually resemble pineapples. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you how to plant, grow, and care for these magical flowers. Pineapple lilies are bulbous perennials that really stand out from other flowers. They have gorgeous green to white bracts that stand on tall racemes. As their common name suggests, these lilies actually look like cartoonish pineapples. These stunning flowers bloom in the summer and keep their pineapple-like blooms for at least 2 months. The flowers will bring a touch of the tropics to your garden. Plant them along with other tropical-looking flowers or as standalone showpieces. Some species can grow to around 3 feet tall. Because of their height and unique shape, they’ll capture a lot of attention. Let’s dive into how to plant, grow, and care for these attractive tropical bulbs. They are easy to grow and maintain, making them perfect beginner flowers. What Is It? Pineapple lilies have no relation to pineapples or lilies. Contrary to their name, they’re actually members of the Asparagaceae Family of plants. These include asparagus, lily-of-the-valley, and snake plant. These flowers are members of the Eucomis genus, which gets its name from the word ‘Eukomos’ which means “beautifully haired” in Greek. There are around 13 species in the genus, each with unique sizes and colors. These plants look amazing as garden centerpieces or along borders. You’ll usually get your first blooms in summer, which can last into fall. They look gorgeous surrounded by green ground cover and other tropical-looking plants. Characteristics Pineapple lilies grow from bulbs that shoot out tall racemes in their centers. The flowers are incredibly beautiful. They can be a variety of colors, including white, green, pink, purple, or cream colored. As they mature, they send up tall stalks known as racemes. These flower clusters support several flower clusters that grow on uniform stalks. At the top of the racemes are bracts that resemble the top leaves of a pineapple. Some species give off a fragrance similar to cooked potatoes. The leaves are long and form a rosette around a central stem. Most cultivars have green to dark green leaves, while some produce beautiful purple leaves. Some species are miniature and barely reach 8 inches in height. Others can grow to 3 feet. You can plant several species in your flower garden for a multitextured appearance. The tallest varieties look amazing in the center of a cut garden while miniature varieties make fantastic borders. Native Area Eucomis plants are native to sub-tropical South Africa. Many species grow wild throughout southern Africa. They grow in low-lying regions and grasslands. These species thrive as perennials in warm climates between zones 7 to 10. They can handle some winter cold but prefer warm temperatures year-round. These plants grow best in somewhat rocky areas with a wide range of soil types. Because of this, they’ll thrive in many areas of the US. Planting These bulbs are incredibly easy to plant. Start by choosing healthy bulbs that feel heavy and look large. They should feel dense and have nice coloration without any blemishes or cuts. Typically, the larger the bulbs are, the healthier and more colorful their flowers will be. Plant them root side down in the springtime after the last threat of frost has passed. The best soil temperature is at or above 65°F (18°C). Place the bulbs upright in loose, well-drained loamy soil up to 6 inches deep. You can also start them indoors earlier in the year in containers like these and transplant them when the weather warms. Aim for a spot with full sun or partial shade. These flowers love areas with a little afternoon shade to shield them, especially in warmer regions. Space each bulb about 6 inches apart to give them enough room to grow and not overcrowd each other. After planting, give them a good soaking and keep the soil lightly moist as they grow.

The Thai basil plant (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) is an easy-to-grow culinary herb with bright green leaves, dark purple stems, and tiny, pale purple flowers. This herbaceous perennial is native to Southeast Asia. Its edible leaves are traditionally used in Southeast Asian cuisines and offer a spicy, licorice-like flavor and aroma. In the United States, Thai basil plants are hardy in zones 10-11 but are typically grown as annuals. How to Plant Thai Basil Like sweet basil, Thai basil plants are easy to grow. Start seeds indoors about six weeks before your last frost date in the spring. Plant Thai basil seedlings outdoors in late spring when soil temperatures are around 70 degrees and night temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees. Seed Thai basil about a quarter-inch deep in a spot with moist, well-drained soil and full to part sun. Plant or thin Thai basil seedlings to put about 12 inches between plants. You can also plant Thai basil seeds or seedlings in containers. Thai basil plants bloom in mid-to-late summer, depending on your region. Pinch back the tiny purple flowers to keep the plant from setting seed and encourage leaf growth. Thai Basil Plant Care Light Thai basil plants grow best in a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sun per day. In very hot climates, the plant prefers part sun; choose a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade to shield it during the hottest part of the day. Soil Plant Thai basil in rich, well-drained soil that holds moisture well. Work organic compost into the soil a few weeks before planting or add one part compost to two parts potting mix if growing in containers. Water Keep your Thai basil plant's soil consistently moist with regular watering during periods without rain. Consider dressing the soil around the plants with an organic mulch like hay or straw to help maintain soil moisture. Temperature and Humidity Thai basil prefers the warm, humid conditions of its native region. Wait until daytime temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees and night temperatures are above 50 degrees to plant seeds or starts outdoors. Temperatures below 50 degrees can stunt the plant's growth. Later in the season, harvest Thai basil before night temperatures hit 40 degrees, which can damage the leaves. Fertilizer If you plant Thai basil in rich soil, it shouldn't need any fertilizer. If you'd like to promote more vigorous growth, feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the summer. This is especially beneficial when you're pinching back plants to promote growth or harvesting frequently. Types of Thai Basil There are several cultivars of Thai basil, including: 'Siam Queen' (Ocimum basilicum 'Siam Queen'): This award-winning cultivar is known for its tender, highly aromatic leaves, which retain their scent at higher cooking temperatures than other types. 'Queenette' (Ocimum basilicum 'Queenette'): Compact with long purple stems and relatively showy blossoms, this Thai basil cultivar is ideal for ornamental and culinary use. 'Thai Magic' (Ocimum basilicum 'Thai Magic'): This cultivar offers a mild, sweet flavor with dark magenta flower clusters that pop against bright green leaves. Thai Basil vs. Holy Basil Thai basil is just one of the dozens of varieties of Ocimum basilicum. It's sometimes confused with holy basil, also known as tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum). Depending on the cultivar, Thai basil and holy basil may have a similar minty, peppery, or licorice-like scent, but the plants are two distinct species. Both have slightly serrated leaf edges and grow tiny purple flowers, but Thai basil has dark purple stems, while holy basil has green stems. Harvesting Thai Basil Plants Harvest Thai basil by picking the upper sets of leaves from each branch, which will encourage growth. Harvesting lower on the plant can inhibit growth. Frequent harvesting, as often as every other day, will encourage more vigorous regrowth. Store Thai basil by placing the stem ends in a glass of water, then covering the glass with a clear plastic bag. Keep the glass at room temperature, as refrigeration damages basil leaves. Change the water every few days and use as needed. How to Grow Thai Basil Plants in Pots Thai basil grows well in containers. Put a single plant in a 12-inch deep pot with drainage holes and rich, loose potting mix. Use a plastic or glazed ceramic pot, as porous materials like terra cotta will let the soil dry out too quickly. Pruning Once a young Thai basil plant has six to eight sets of leaves, pinch off the top set of leaves to encourage branching and fuller growth. Do this on subsequent branches and use the leaves in recipes. Propagating Thai Basil Plants You can propagate healthy, mature Thai basil plants using stem cuttings. You'll need sharp scissors or pruners, a small glass or jar, and water. Here's how to do it: Examine the mother plant and choose a healthy-looking stem with several leaves. Make a diagonal cut about six inches from the stem tip and just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves on the lower half of the stem. Place the cutting in a jar of water so the leaf nodes are submerged. Keep the cutting in a warm place with lots of bright light. After a few weeks, you should be able to see roots growing from the stem. When the roots are at least an inch long, you can pot up the cutting and care for it as usual. How to Grow Thai Basil Plants From Seed Directly seed Thai basil a quarter-inch deep, with a few seeds every inch. Space rows about 18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to eight to 12 inches apart to give mature plants adequate airflow and room to grow. Keep soil moist. You can also start Thai basil indoors by seeding in flats or trays around six weeks before your region's last frost date. Harden off seedlings gradually for a few weeks before planting outdoors. Common Pests and Plant Diseases Watch out for plant damage from common pests like aphids, slugs, and Japanese beetles. Pick off Japanese beetles and drop them in a bucket of soapy water. Use insecticidal soap to treat aphids and diatomaceous earth or slug baits to kill slugs. Plant diseases like fusarium wilt and bacterial leaf spot can affect Thai basil plants. The best way to avoid these is by watering the soil directly to avoid getting the leaves wet.