Key specifications of Cardinal Basil:
- Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum ‘Cardinal’ (mint family)
- Height: 24–30″ tall, with a spread of 12–20″
- Foliage: Bright green leaves on deep burgundy stems.
- Flowers: Dense, pagoda-shaped magenta-to-red blooms; fragrant and edible.
- Flavor: Spicy-sweet with notes of anise, clove, and cinnamon.
- Growth Habit: Frost-sensitive annual; thrives in full sun/well-drained soil.
- Days to Maturity: 60 days from sowing; harvest leaves pre-flowering for best taste.
- Uses: Culinary (salads, pesto, infusions) and ornamental (cut flowers, bouquets).
- Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
- Origin: Developed in Israel; heat-tolerant and pest-resistant.
Tapoja (verified owner) –
The Cardinal basil seeds germinated surprisingly fast — within just 4 days, even in Kolkata’s mid-winter temperatures. The seeds are clearly fresh and vigorous. Early sprouts look uniform, healthy, and strong. If the seedlings continue like this, these seeds are absolutely worth it.