African Nunum Basil

(Ocimum gratisimum) An unusual and acquired taste for a basil. The flavor is strong and reminds me of a mix of camphor with a hint of oregano; it has a bite. The leaves are rough and I have made tea with it, but I actually prefer my Tulsis. I can’t imagine making a pesto as some others have done. I started my original plants in the spring of 2022 and they survived our Florida winter without any cover. Granted, they looked poorly but they supplied more leaves and seed after they recovered in 2023. I did not give them any special care. The plants are roughly 2 1/2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. I imagine if I watered them more and gave them some fish emulsion, they would have looked better. I had zero pests and disease issues. This strain comes from Ghana, an epicenter of basil genetics. I’d like to thank Rareseeds’ grower Solomon Amuzu of Ghana for growing these plants. My seed is fresh and was picked in Oct. and Nov. of 2023.