African Nunum Basil in a carved wooden bowl from Ghana on a white background.
Baker Creek seed growers holding a basket full of African Nunum Basil in a basil field in Ghana.
A close-up of African Nunum Basil leaves on a white background.
A Baker Creek seed grower&
A Baker Creek Seed grower holds up a basket of African Nunum Basil in a basil field in Ghana.
African Nunum Basil in a carved wooden bowl from Ghana on a white background.
Baker Creek seed growers holding a basket full of African Nunum Basil in a basil field in Ghana.
A close-up of African Nunum Basil leaves on a white background.
A Baker Creek seed grower&
A Baker Creek Seed grower holds up a basket of African Nunum Basil in a basil field in Ghana.

Basil Seeds,
African Nunum

3.937 ReviewsSKU: #HB285Min. seed count: 100
Price
Regular price $3.50
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.50
Save $-3.50
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Description

(Ocimum gratisimum). Nunum is a basil from Ghana, Africa, with an earthy, spicy, and complex flavor all its own. African basil, or Ocimum gratissimum, has a myriad of traditional medicinal uses, and it’s a beloved part of African and Asian cuisines, with a stronger flavor than sweet basils like Genovese. Try simmering this herb in soups, stews, and curries – or make it into pesto for a peppery twist on the classic Italian version. Our thanks to Solomon Amuzu of Call to Nature Permaculture in Ghana for help in preserving and reviving this variety.

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.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Ocimum gratissimum
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
6–10
Days to Maturity
60–75
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
14 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

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 to 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 to 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 Seeds

  • 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 to 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 to 4 weeks will improve its growth and leaf production. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can diminish the intensity of the flavor.

How do I use African Nunum basil?

It is often used in African and Asian cuisine to flavor soups, stews, and curries, and it also makes a fine pesto, giving a peppery twist on the classic Italian version.

Browse our full range of basil seeds.
FREE SHIPPING IN THE U.S.A.
Alternate domestic shipping options available at checkout.
You may also like