Akoko Mesa Basil in a green striped African wooden bowl on white background.
Baker Creek Seed grower Solomon proudly shows off a basket of Akoko Mesa Basil in Ghana.
Akoko Mesa Basil tofu recipe in a wooden bowl with fresh basil and props from Ghana.
Akoko Mesa Basil leaves in wooden bowl with money from Ghana.
Akoko Mesa Basil in a green striped African wooden bowl on white background.
Baker Creek Seed grower Solomon proudly shows off a basket of Akoko Mesa Basil in Ghana.
Akoko Mesa Basil tofu recipe in a wooden bowl with fresh basil and props from Ghana.
Akoko Mesa Basil leaves in wooden bowl with money from Ghana.

Basil Seeds,
Akoko Mesa

46 ReviewsSKU: #HB284Min. seed count: 100
Price
Regular price $4.00
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $4.00
Save $-4
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Out of stock
Description

(Ocimum basilicum). One of our favorites in the Baker Creek trial gardens! This plant originated in Ghana, West Africa, where it’s been used in many dishes and medicinal preparations for hundreds of years. This is one of the most common plants seen in every home of the Ghanaian people because of its numerous uses. This variety from Ghana is often used for preparing poultry. The name Akoko Mesa means “chicken dance.” 

Growing Tips: This unique and aromatic heirloom basil from West Africa thrives in warm climates, requiring 8-12 hours of sun daily. Regular pruning helps prevent flowering and encourages bushy growth, ensuring a longer harvest window. Keep flower spikes picked off in early summer; this will allow the plants to grow more quickly.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Ocimum basilicum
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
6–10
Days to Maturity
60–75
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
8–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Akoko Mesa basil should be grown during the warm season, as it is highly frost-sensitive. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your area to get a head start, or sow seeds directly outdoors once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Ideal soil temperatures for germination are between 70-85 F. Refer to your local area’s frost dates to determine the best planting time. If you’re unsure of your last frost date, consult our blog post ‘Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.’

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds germinate in 6-10 days.
  • Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost and transplant out after all danger of frost has passed and soil has reliably warmed. Basil does not like cool weather and will suffer.
  • Plant 1/4" deep.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 70-85 F.

How to Grow

  • Thrives in heat.
  • Remove flower buds promptly to prolong harvest. Grow in full sun.
  • Set out seedlings at any size, when warm conditions have arrived.
  • Plants can be spaced at least 6-12 inches apart, but most varieties will fill in when spaced up to 24 inches.
  • Keeping flower spikes picked off in early summer will allow the plants to grow more quickly.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • The most common pests are Japanese beetles, slugs and aphids.
  • Harvest leaves at mid-morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day so that the leaves are most fragrant and will keep fresh the longest.

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

What does the name Akoko Mesa mean?

It means "chicken dance." The plant originated in Ghana, West Africa, where it has been used in many dishes and medicinal preparations for hundreds of years and is one of the most common plants seen in every home of the Ghanaian people. This variety is often used there for preparing poultry.

How do I keep the plants producing leaves?

Remove flower buds promptly to prolong the harvest. Keeping flower spikes picked off in early summer also lets the plants grow more quickly, and regular pruning encourages bushy growth. Give this one 8 to 12 hours of sun daily; it thrives in warm climates and reaches harvest size in 60 to 75 days.

When is the best time of day to harvest?

Harvest leaves at mid-morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day, so that the leaves are most fragrant and will keep fresh the longest. Watch for the most common basil pests: Japanese beetles, slugs, and aphids.
FREE SHIPPING IN THE U.S.A.
Alternate domestic shipping options available at checkout.
You may also like