Lamiaceae
Ocimum gratissimum
African Basil, Clove Basil
H
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Ocimum gratissimum is an aromatic perennial herb or subshrub, growing 50 to 300 cm tall, with branching, woody stems at its base. Its dark green, oval to lanceolate leaves are serrated, slightly hairy, and emit a strong, pungent, clove-like fragrance when crushed. Small white to pale lilac flowers bloom in dense clusters or on tall spikes.
Where it works in Kilifi
This tropical herb thrives in full sun, requiring 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, and prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). It can be planted as a specimen, in groups, or as a fragrant hedge, typically spaced about 12 inches apart.
Growing notes
African Basil is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plant with a fast to medium growth rate. Once established, it requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season, but ensure the soil dries out between waterings to prevent root rot. Regular pruning will encourage bushier growth and extend leaf production.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: pureasiaseeds.com, theferns.info, nih.gov, permapeople.org, ask-ayurveda.com, petersgate.co.za. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.