Basil Seeds, African Nunum

Name: Basil Seeds, African Nunum
SKU: HB285
Price: 3.5 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 3.8 (34 reviews)

3.8

34 Reviews

Sku:

#HB285

Min. seed count:

100

$3.50

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(Ocimum gratisimum). Wonderful flavor, the best for pesto! A gigantic and sumptuous basil that is popular in African and Asian cuisines. This amazing plant has incredible flavor, a rich basil taste with hints of oregano, and a small kick of delicious spiciness! It is wonderful in salads, soups, pastas, vinegars, jellies, and killer pestos! We adore this wonderful variety also for its health properties! Popular in traditional medicine, it was clinically evaluated for its antibacterial properties. Our strain of this flavorsome plant comes from Ghana, an epicenter of basil genetics. We thank our grower Solomon Amuzu of Ghana.

60-75 days to maturity
6-12 hours of full sun
Sprouts in 6-10 days
Seed Depth: 1/4"
Plant Spacing: 14"
Ideal Temperature: 70-85 F
Frost Hardy: No

Growing Tips

African Nunum basil prefers warm weather, full sun, and well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It is a vigorous and drought-tolerant variety but performs best when watered consistently. Regular pruning helps encourage bushy growth and prevents early flowering, which can diminish the flavor of the leaves. This hardy basil variety grows well in containers, raised beds, or traditional garden plots.

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your region. Once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50 F, transplant seedlings outdoors. In warmer climates, seeds can be directly sown into the garden after the last frost. African Nunum basil thrives during the hot summer months and may struggle in cooler or wet conditions. Check your local region’s frost dates to determine the best planting time. Learn about your area’s hardiness zones and first/last frost dates in our blog post ‘Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.’

How to Sow and Plant

Sow African Nunum basil seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays or directly in the garden once all frost danger has passed. For indoor starts, use a seed-starting mix and keep the soil temperature between 70-85 F during germination. Space seedlings about 14 inches apart to allow for airflow and healthy growth.

How to Grow

African Nunum basil is easy to care for. It grows well with consistent watering, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Enrich the soil with compost or use a balanced fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to encourage better growth. Prune the plant regularly by pinching off the top leaves to delay flowering and encourage a bushier shape. This variety is drought-tolerant but performs best when watered consistently. Protect against pests like aphids and spider mites using organic pest control methods such as neem oil.

How to Save

Flower heads mature progressively from the bottom of the stem to the top.
When the bottom seed head starts to turn brown, the stem can be cut and allowed to dry away from direct sun in a well-ventilated area.
Rub dried raceme over a fine wire mesh and winnow off the chaff.
Place chaff in a bowl and carefully swirl contents around. Seeds will gather at the bottom of the bowl.
Tip the bowl so that the chaff can be discarded and blow the rest out carefully.

FAQ

How do I harvest African Nunum Basil?
Begin harvesting leaves when the plant is about 6-8 inches tall. Snip leaves or stems just above a set of leaves to encourage new growth and prolong the plant's productivity.

Does African Nunum Basil require frequent fertilization?
While it is a hardy plant, occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer or compost every 2-4 weeks will improve its growth and leaf production. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can diminish the intensity of the flavor.

How to use African Nunum basil?
It is often used in African cuisine to flavor soups, stews, and teas, and it also has traditional medicinal uses, such as treating colds, stomach issues, and infections.