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Ocimum basilicum 'Queenette'

Image of Ocimum basilicum 'Queenette'

James H. Schutte

Family

Lamiaceae

Botanical Name

Ocimum basilicum 'Queenette'

Plant Common Name

Basil, Queenette Basil

General Description

Prized for their sweetly spicy leaves that taste and smell of cloves, Thai basils figure prominently in many Southeast Asian dishes. The cultivar 'Queenette' bears zesty, purple-flushed green leaves on maroon stems. Like all Thai basils, it descends from Ocimum basilicum, an annual or short-lived perennial from tropical Asia that has long been cultivated for its aromatic, flavorful leaves.

The bright-green, purple-tinged, oval leaves of this basil contrast strikingly with its erect, deep purple-red stems. The robustly flavored leaves taste great in stir-fries, stews, and chutneys. Spikes of two-lipped, pale purple flowers appear in summer. Flowering causes the leaves to deteriorate in appearance and flavor, so keep flower buds pinched back for maximum production and display.

Basil requires full sun and fertile to average, well-drained soil. Start the seeds indoors or sow them outside after danger of frost. Grow 'Queenette' as a spring and summer annual in cooler zones and a year-round perennial in frost-free climates. Water regularly for good growth and harvest the leaves often to encourage the continued growth of tender shoots and leaves. Basil is the perfect companion plant for tomatoes, so consider planting a few at the base of their cages or trellises. This cultivar is propagated from seed, but young plants are sometimes available at garden centers.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    11 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    9 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Herb

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    15"-18" / 38.1cm - 45.7cm

  • Width

    12"-15" / 30.5cm - 38.1cm

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall

  • Native To

    Southern Asia, Southeastern Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Very Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Purple

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Purple, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Purple, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Bronze

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    Yes

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Edible, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes