🌿 Ocimum americanum Basil ‘Blue Spice’ – Aromatic Basil with Spicy, Vanilla-Clove Notes

‘Blue Spice’ is a distinctive Ocimum americanum basil variety prized for its intense, complex aroma combining notes of vanilla, clove, citrus, and spice. The narrow, grey-green leaves are highly fragrant, while the delicate lavender-blue flowers add ornamental value and strongly attract pollinators. Less sweet than classic Genovese basil, ‘Blue Spice’ is ideal for teas, desserts, fruit salads, infused oils, vinegars, and herbal blends. Compact, heat-tolerant plants perform well in pots, borders, and herb gardens.

Key Features

● Unique spicy aroma with vanilla and clove notes

● Highly aromatic leaves ideal for teas and flavouring

● Decorative lavender-blue flowers loved by pollinators

● Compact, heat-tolerant plants

● Excellent for pots, herb beds, and ornamental use

How to Sow & Grow Basil ‘Blue Spice’ (UK)

Sow indoors: III–VI (March–June) in trays or pots

Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) once nights stay above 10 °C (50 °F)

Direct outdoors: VI (June) in warm soil

Harvest: VI–IX (June–September)

Life cycle: Annual

Germination temperature: 18–25 °C (64–77 °F)

Average germ time: 7–14 days

Depth: Surface sow — do not cover, but press gently into the soil (requires light to germinate)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Keep evenly moist

Environment: Full sun

Soil type: Light, fertile, well-drained soil or potting mix

Plant spacing: 25–30 cm (10–12 in)

Height: 40–60 cm (16–24 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth.

● Pinch out flower buds for continuous leaf production (unless growing for flowers).

● Excellent for herbal teas and aromatic infusions.

● Performs well in hot, sunny conditions.

● Can be grown purely as an ornamental, pollinator-friendly herb.

Special Features

● Unusual flavour profile unlike sweet basil

● Strong pollinator attraction due to scented flowers

● Heat-tolerant and less prone to bolting