Clove Basil

Ocimum gratissimum, commonaly known as Clove Basil or African Basil, is a perennial species far more robust than the common sweet basil. In the UK, it must be grown as a tender perennial (H2), usually in pots that can be moved outside in summer and brought back into a warm greenhouse or windowsill for winter. It has large, hairy green leaves and a woody stem, reaching up to 1 metre in height. As the name suggests, the foliage has a powerful aroma of cloves, with hints of thyme and mint, due to high levels of eugenol. It is used extensively in West African and Southeast Asian medicine and cuisine, particularly for spicy soups and stews. Small greenish-white flowers appear in long racemes during the summer. It requires a very warm, sheltered spot in full sun and must be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a more unusual and aromatic basil variety.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Rich, moist but well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.