Basil Cinnamon Microgreen Seeds Seeds
Grow aromatic Cinnamon Basil microgreens with tender green leaves and a distinctive sweet, warm and lightly spiced basil flavour. Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a specialty basil variety valued for its aromatic foliage and characteristic cinnamon-like notes. When grown as a microgreen, it produces tender young growth with a concentrated flavour suitable for fresh culinary use.
Cinnamon Basil microgreens are particularly well suited to salads, Asian-inspired dishes, fruit dishes, desserts, drinks and fresh culinary garnishes. Like other basil microgreens, they generally take longer to grow than fast-growing crops such as broccoli and radish, but provide a distinctive flavour and aroma for specialty microgreen production.
Seedmart Cinnamon Basil seeds are suitable for growing as microgreens or can be grown on to produce mature Cinnamon Basil plants.
Cinnamon Basil Microgreen Seed Details
| Botanical name | Ocimum basilicum |
|---|---|
| Common name | Cinnamon Basil |
| Pre-soak | Not required |
| Sowing rate | Approximately 20–28 g per 10 × 20 inch tray as a starting rate |
| Growing medium | Potting mix, coco coir or suitable microgreen growing medium |
| Covered period | Approximately 4–6 days as a starting guide |
| Typical harvest | Approximately 14–21 days |
| Flavour | Aromatic basil flavour with sweet, warm cinnamon and spice notes |
Why Grow Cinnamon Basil Microgreens?
- Distinctive aromatic basil flavour with warm cinnamon and spice notes.
- Tender green microgreens suitable for fresh culinary use.
- Ideal for salads, Asian-inspired dishes, fruit dishes, desserts, drinks and garnishes.
- Useful in both savoury and sweet dishes.
- Can be grown in potting mix, coco coir or other suitable microgreen growing media.
- No seed pre-soaking required.
- Suitable for growing indoors throughout the year under suitable conditions.
- Suitable for home growers, chefs and commercial specialty microgreen production.
- Can also be grown on to produce mature Cinnamon Basil plants.
How to Grow Cinnamon Basil Microgreens
Cinnamon Basil is a specialty basil microgreen that performs best in warm growing conditions. Basil seeds are mucilaginous, meaning they develop a gelatinous coating after becoming wet, so pre-soaking is not recommended. For a standard 10 × 20 inch microgreen tray, approximately 20–28 grams of seed provides a useful starting range that can be adjusted according to growing conditions and preferred crop density.
- Prepare the growing tray.
Add approximately 3–4 cm of moist potting mix, coco coir or another suitable microgreen growing medium to a shallow tray and gently level the surface. - Sow the Cinnamon Basil seeds.
Spread the dry seeds evenly across the surface. Aim for consistent coverage without allowing the seeds to form thick piles or clumps. - Mist thoroughly.
Use a fine spray mister to moisten the seeds and growing surface evenly. The seeds will naturally develop a gelatinous coating after absorbing water. - Cover the tray.
Cover with a suitable lid or blackout tray during initial establishment. Keep the tray warm with adequate ventilation. Approximately 4–6 days provides a useful starting guide for the covered period, although seedling development should determine when the crop is moved into light. - Maintain consistent moisture.
Check the tray regularly and mist or water as required. Keep the growing medium evenly moist without allowing it to become waterlogged or leaving standing water in the tray. - Introduce the seedlings to light.
Once the seedlings have emerged and established, remove the cover and move the tray into bright indirect natural light or beneath suitable artificial growing lights. - Water as the crop develops.
Continue to maintain consistent moisture. Once the seedlings are established, bottom watering can help keep the foliage drier while providing moisture to the root zone. - Harvest the microgreens.
Cinnamon Basil microgreens can generally be harvested approximately 14–21 days after sowing, depending on temperature, light and the preferred stage of harvest. Cut the stems cleanly just above the growing medium once the crop has developed good colour and its characteristic aromatic flavour.
What Do Cinnamon Basil Microgreens Taste Like?
Cinnamon Basil microgreens have an aromatic basil flavour combined with sweet, warm and lightly spicy notes reminiscent of cinnamon. The flavour is distinctive without being overwhelmingly spicy, making the young leaves useful in a wide range of fresh dishes.
They can be used in salads, Asian-inspired dishes, fruit dishes and fresh garnishes. Their sweet-spiced character also makes them particularly interesting for desserts, drinks and other applications where standard sweet basil may not provide the desired flavour.
Because their aroma is most noticeable when fresh, Cinnamon Basil microgreens are particularly well suited to use as a finishing ingredient or garnish rather than prolonged cooking.
A Distinctive Specialty Basil Microgreen
Cinnamon Basil offers a different flavour profile from traditional Sweet Basil and Genovese Basil. Its characteristic warm, spicy aroma makes it a useful addition to specialty microgreen ranges where flavour diversity is important.
For chefs and commercial microgreen growers, Cinnamon Basil can provide a distinctive ingredient for both savoury and sweet dishes. The tender young growth can be used where a fresh basil flavour is wanted with an additional aromatic spice character.
Like other basil microgreens, Cinnamon Basil is generally grown for flavour, aroma and presentation rather than rapid crop turnover. Allow a longer production period than for fast-growing brassica microgreens such as broccoli, radish or mustard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Cinnamon Basil microgreens take to grow?
Cinnamon Basil microgreens can generally be harvested approximately 14–21 days after sowing. The exact crop time varies according to temperature, light, moisture, sowing density and preferred harvest stage.
Do Cinnamon Basil microgreen seeds need to be soaked?
No. Cinnamon Basil seeds should not normally be pre-soaked. Basil seeds become mucilaginous when wet and are more easily handled when sown dry directly onto the prepared growing medium.
How much Cinnamon Basil seed should I use in a 10 × 20 tray?
Approximately 20–28 grams per standard 10 × 20 inch tray provides a useful starting range. Growers can adjust the quantity according to germination, growing conditions and their preferred finished crop density.
Why do Cinnamon Basil seeds become gelatinous when wet?
Basil seeds are naturally mucilaginous. When they absorb water, a gelatinous coating develops around the seed. This is a normal characteristic of basil seed.
Do Cinnamon Basil microgreens need a blackout period?
A covered period can be used during initial germination and establishment. Approximately 4–6 days provides a useful starting guide, but seedling development should determine when the cover is removed and the crop is exposed to suitable light.
Can Cinnamon Basil microgreens be grown without soil?
Yes. Cinnamon Basil can be grown using coco coir or another suitable microgreen growing medium in addition to potting mix. The medium should provide consistent moisture while allowing adequate drainage and airflow.
When should Cinnamon Basil microgreens be harvested?
Cinnamon Basil microgreens can generally be harvested approximately 14–21 days after sowing. Cut the stems cleanly just above the growing medium once the crop has developed good colour and the desired aroma and flavour.
What do Cinnamon Basil microgreens taste like?
Cinnamon Basil microgreens have an aromatic basil flavour with sweet, warm and lightly spicy cinnamon-like notes. They can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes.
How is Cinnamon Basil different from Sweet Basil?
Cinnamon Basil has a distinctive warm, spicy aroma and flavour in addition to its basil character. Sweet Basil has the more familiar sweet, aromatic flavour commonly associated with Mediterranean and Italian cooking.
Can these seeds also be grown as mature Cinnamon Basil?
Yes. Cinnamon Basil seed can be grown beyond the microgreen stage to produce mature basil plants. Mature plants develop aromatic leaves that retain the variety’s characteristic warm, spicy flavour.
Where can I buy Cinnamon Basil microgreen seeds in Australia?
Seedmart supplies Cinnamon Basil seed for home growers, chefs, restaurants, market gardeners and commercial microgreen production throughout Australia.
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