What hardiness zones is Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon' suitable for?

Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon' is an annual herb reaching 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) and an upright, bushy, branching habit. A Mexican basil cultivar, it has distinctive cinnamon-brown to purple stems and medium green leaves 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long with a pronounced cinnamon-spice aroma and flavor—methyl cinnamate is the dominant volatile compound, unlike the eugenol-dominant sweet basil. Pink to lavender flower spikes on dark purple calyces. Days to first harvest 60-70 from seed. Growth rate is moderate to fast. Warm-season—killed by frost. Pinch regularly to delay flowering and maintain bushy form. Flavor diminishes once flowers open.

Native Range

Ocimum basilicum originated in tropical regions of Central Africa and Southeast Asia. 'Cinnamon' is a Mexican cultivar.

Suggested Uses

Grown in herb gardens, containers, or borders for culinary use—teas, baked goods, fruit salads, Southeast Asian/Mexican dishes, desserts, infused vinegar. Cinnamon-spice flavor distinct from sweet basil. Edible pink-lavender flowers. Ornamental purple stems. Mexican cultivar. 60-70 days. Warm-season only—frost kills. Flavor diminishes after flowering.

How to Identify

Distinguished from sweet basil ('Genovese') by the cinnamon-spice (versus sweet clove-anise) flavor, the cinnamon-brown to purple (versus green) stems, and the methyl cinnamate (versus eugenol) dominant volatile profile. Distinguished from Thai basil by the cinnamon (versus anise-licorice) flavor and the less sturdy leaf texture. Cinnamon basil—cinnamon-brown stems, cinnamon-spice aroma, methyl cinnamate, Mexican cultivar, pink-lavender flowers on purple calyces.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer Fall

Pink to lavender flower spikes on dark purple calyces from midsummer through frost. Flowers are edible with cinnamon flavor. Pinch flower buds to extend leaf harvest—flavor declines after flowering.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pink to lavender; spikes on dark purple calyces; midsummer-frost

Foliage Description

Medium green; ovate 2-3 inches; on cinnamon-brown to purple stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

60-70 days from seed to first harvest

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after all frost danger when soil is warm 65°F (18°C). Full sun, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Consistent moisture. Warm-season—killed by light frost. Pinch growing tips regularly to promote branching and delay flowering. Days to first harvest 60-70 from seed. Harvest leaves before flowers open for strongest flavor.

Pruning

Pinch growing tips above a leaf node every 1-2 weeks to encourage bushy growth. Remove flower spikes as they appear to extend leaf harvest. Cut no more than one-third of plant at a time.

Pruning Schedule

summer