Days to Maturity: 68 from direct sow

‘Cinnamon’ basil is a rare treat your garden should not be without. A distinctly different variety from the commonly grown species Ocimum basilicum, it is very easy to cultivate, delicious, and useful in the garden. Grow it for that irresistible spicy-sweet scent, those charming red stems and pink blooms, and/or the delectable flavor of the small, deep green leaves.

This basil gets its name because it contains the same ingredient as cinnamon: methyl cinnamate. But it also retains its traditional basil flavor, so the result is a spicy-sweet combination that works as well in baked goods as it does in pastas and salads. If you make your own jams, oils, or vinegars, be sure to grow some just for flavoring.

‘Cinnamon’ basil reaches 3 feet high and wide in the garden, but can be kept much smaller for containers and tight spaces. It is quick-growing and distinctive, with a deep red centr