African Nunum Basil brings the warmth of West African kitchens straight to your garden. This heirloom variety from Ghana, scientifically Ocimum gratissimum, grows as a compact 6 to 8 inch herb that reaches harvest in just 60 to 75 days. Unlike the mild sweetness of Italian basils, Nunum delivers an earthy, spicy, and complex flavor that deepens any soup, stew, or curry. Hardy in zones 10 to 12, it thrives in full sun and warm temperatures between 70 and 85°F, rewarding patient growers with a botanical passport to African and Asian culinary traditions.
Full Sun
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10-12
8in H x ?in W
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High
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Nunum basil carries centuries of African tradition in its leaves, offering a flavor intensity and aromatic complexity that far exceeds common sweet basils. The plant's compact stature and quick 60 to 75 day maturity make it practical for containers or garden beds, while its traditional medicinal uses and deep roots in Ghanaian cuisine give it genuine cultural weight. Grown with gratitude to Solomon Amuzu of Call to Nature Permaculture, this variety represents a direct connection between gardeners and the people who stewarded it across generations.
This basil shines when simmered into soups, stews, and curries, where its earthy, spicy character deepens and complexifies the broth. It can be made into pesto for a peppery departure from the classic Italian basil version, or steeped as a medicinal tea drawing on its traditional uses. The stronger flavor profile means a little goes a long way, making a single plant capable of seasoning many meals throughout the growing season.
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Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost, sowing seeds on the surface or just barely covered in warm soil. Maintain soil temperature around 70°F for consistent germination. Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they develop true leaves and begin hardening them off about 2 weeks before planting outdoors.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60°F, ideally closer to 70°F. Space plants 14 inches apart in full sun locations. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before final transplanting.
Begin harvesting leaves once the plant reaches 6 inches tall, which typically occurs around 60 to 75 days from sowing. Pinch or cut leaves from the top of the stems, working your way down the plant; this encourages branching and continued productivity. Harvest in the morning after dew dries but before heat intensity peaks, when the plant's essential oils are most concentrated. Continue harvesting throughout the growing season by removing the top 2 to 3 inches of stems regularly.
Pinch out the growing tips regularly and remove flower buds as soon as they appear to promote bushier foliage and extend the leaf harvest season. This aggressive pinching encourages the plant to develop multiple stems rather than investing energy in flowering.
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“African Nunum Basil originates from Ghana, where it has been cultivated and treasured for generations as both a culinary staple and traditional medicinal herb. The variety made its way into Western seed catalogs through dedicated heirloom seed preservation work, including contributions from Solomon Amuzu of Call to Nature Permaculture, who shared this culturally important plant with organizations like Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. By growing Nunum, gardeners participate in the preservation of African agricultural heritage and support the knowledge keepers who maintain these living traditions.”