Basil Seeds,
African Nunum

Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your region. Once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50 F, transplant seedlings outdoors. In warmer climates, seeds can be directly sown into the garden after the last frost. African Nunum basil thrives during the hot summer months and may struggle in cooler or wet conditions. Check your local region’s frost dates to determine the best planting time. Learn about your area’s hardiness zones and first/last frost dates in our blog post ‘Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources'

Sow African Nunum basil seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays or directly in the garden once all frost danger has passed. For indoor starts, use a seed-starting mix and keep the soil temperature between 70 to 85°F during germination. Space seedlings about 14 inches apart to allow for airflow and healthy growth.

African Nunum basil is easy to care for. It grows well with consistent watering, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Enrich the soil with compost or use a balanced fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks to encourage better growth. Prune the plant regularly by pinching off the top leaves to delay flowering and encourage a bushier shape. This variety is drought-tolerant but performs best when watered consistently. Protect against pests like aphids and spider mites using organic pest control methods such as neem oil.

• Flower heads mature progressively from the bottom of the stem to the top.
• When the bottom seed head starts to turn brown, the stem can be cut and allowed to dry away from direct sun in a well-ventilated area.
• Rub dried raceme over a fine wire mesh and winnow off the chaff.
• Place chaff in a bowl and carefully swirl contents around. Seeds will gather at the bottom of the bowl.
• Tip the bowl so that the chaff can be discarded and blow the rest out carefully.