What is cinnamon basil, what is it good for and how do you grow it at home?
Cinnamon basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon’) is an exotic basil variety that stands out for its warm, spicy aroma with notes of cinnamon. It is popular in cooking, especially in desserts, fruit salads, teas and Asian dishes. Beyond the kitchen, it is also used in natural medicine.
It is a rich medicinal herb with a high content of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and minerals such as manganese and calcium. It aids digestion, strengthens immunity and provides energy thanks to its natural phytonutrients.
Quick facts
- Germination time: 5–10 days
- Germination temperature: 20–25 °C
- Time to harvest: 60–70 days
- Primary effects: antioxidant, digestion, energy
- Vitamins/minerals: A, C, manganese, calcium
- Effect on the body: improves digestion, boosts resilience, adds vitality
Growing cinnamon basil at home
You can grow cinnamon basil in the garden, on a balcony or indoors. It loves warmth, plenty of light (12–16 hours a day under an LED lamp indoors) and well-drained soil or growing medium. It grows quickly and branches richly with regular pruning.
Planting cinnamon basil from seed
- Choose a pot with drainage holes or a smart planter with automatic irrigation.
- Use a light, well-draining growing medium or smart soil with added nutrients.
- Sow the seeds shallowly, lightly covered with soil.
- Keep the moisture moderate, but avoid standing water.
- Provide warmth and plenty of light (ideally 20–25 °C).
Growing in the Simply and Aurelia smart gardens
Our SIMPLY and AURELIA smart gardens let cinnamon basil grow all year round – with no stress over watering or transplanting. The automatic system provides perfect conditions, so you can always have fresh leaves for teas, desserts or cooking.
How to harvest cinnamon basil so it keeps growing
- Regularly pinch off the stem tips above the second pair of leaves.
- This encourages branching and the growth of new leaves.
- It is best harvested in the morning, when the aroma is at its most intense.
Common problems and solutions
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
| Yellow leaves | Too little light, too much water | Move to a brighter spot, reduce watering |
| Weak fragrance | Not enough sun/LED light | Increase light exposure |
| Weak growth | Overcrowding, lack of nutrients | Thin out the plants, add organic fertiliser |
| Pests | Aphids, whiteflies | Remove by hand, use natural repellents |
| Mould | Too much moisture, poor ventilation | Improve airflow, reduce moisture |
The difference between cinnamon basil and other varieties
- Cinnamon basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon’): warm, spicy aroma with notes of cinnamon, used in teas, desserts and fruit salads.
- Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum): the classic variety, ideal for pesto and Mediterranean dishes.
- Lemon basil (Ocimum basilicum var. citriodorum): citrus aroma, used in Asian cooking and refreshing drinks.
How to store cinnamon basil
- Fresh stems in a glass of water at room temperature.
- Freeze the leaves whole or chopped in olive oil.
- Dry in the shade and store in airtight containers.
- Make an aromatic oil or syrup for desserts and drinks.
- Do not keep in the fridge below 10 °C – it loses its aroma and darkens.
Conclusion
Cinnamon basil is not just an aromatic herb – it is also a medicinal plant that supports digestion, strengthens immunity and brings an exotic freshness to your kitchen. With our SIMPLY and AURELIA smart gardens, you can have it fresh all year round, stress-free and with minimal effort.
