Licorice Basil Seeds

Ocimum basilicum Licorice Basil

Ocimum basilicum Licorice Basil is a striking, aromatic annual herb, valued for its distinctive purple stems, dark green foliage, and bold, spicy anise flavor. Growing to about 12 to 24 inches tall with a spread of 12 to 18 inches, this variety is perfect for culinary herb gardens, ornamental borders, and container plantings where both flavor and visual contrast are desired. Unlike the mild sweetness of Genovese basil, Licorice Basil offers a sharper, more intense profile similar to tarragon or fennel, filling the garden with a sweet, spicy scent that intensifies in the summer heat.

Culinary and Practical Uses

• The sturdy, aromatic leaves are an essential component in Southeast Asian cuisine, providing the signature anise kick to Thai curries, Vietnamese pho, and stir-fries.
• Excellent for infusing into syrups, cocktails, and herbal teas, where its natural sweetness and licorice notes add depth without the need for added sugar.

• Traditionally used in herbal practices to settle the stomach, freshen breath, and as a natural insect repellent due to its strong essential oils.

   

Characteristics

• Foliage: Narrow, dark green leaves with a purple flush and deep purple stems; possesses a strong, spicy licorice (anise) fragrance distinct from sweet basil.
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy, and vigorous; the sturdy stems make it less prone to flopping than other basil varieties and an excellent cut flower filler.
• Flowers: Produces stunning, deep purple flower spikes (inflorescences) in late summer, which are highly ornamental and attract a multitude of pollinators.
• Seeds: Harvested after the purple flower heads dry and turn brown; the small black seeds are easily collected and saved for the following season.

Growing Requirements

• Sun: Thrives in full sun; requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight to maintain its purple coloration and concentrated flavor oils.
• Soil: Adapts to most soil types but prefers rich, fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5; warm soil is essential for germination.
• Water: Requires moderate watering; keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as it is slightly more drought-tolerant than large-leaf sweet basils once established.
• Spacing: Plant seeds or transplants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for air circulation and accommodate its bushy growth.
• Maintenance: Pinch off the growing tips frequently to encourage branching; while the flowers are beautiful, removing them prolongs the harvest window for culinary leaves.

Shipping Info

Licorice Basil seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.