Basil Cardinal Unity Grown

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Cardinal basil is a Thai basil cultivar with 2-3" long leaves, larger than other Thai basil plants, featuring ornamental purple stems and showy, purple-red flower bracts in the summer. Leaves and flowers have deep aroma and flavors of cinnamon, clove, and anise.

Cardinal basil is a slow grower, but has great tolerance to downy mildew than other basil cultivars. Although typically grown for its showy blooms, Cardinal has a mild Thai basil taste with sweeter notes of anise. This variety grows to 14-20" tall and leaves can be harvested at any time. Pruning flowers before they bloom will reduce the plant's showy appearance, but prolong the plant's life.

Photo courtesy of Johnny's Seeds.