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How to Grow Basil Mint Bush

Basil Mint Bush

Ocimum × africanum

herb

Basil Mint Bush is a hybrid herb combining the aromatic qualities of basil with minty undertones, resulting in a vigorous, bushy plant with soft, fragrant foliage. It's a tender perennial typically grown as an annual that produces small flowers and offers versatile culinary applications. The plant grows quickly and responds well to regular harvesting, making it ideal for container and garden cultivation.

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Example Basil Mint Bush timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Basil Mint Bush

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Basil Mint Bush

    Around May 27

    ≈ 40 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Basil Mint Bush dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (tolerates partial shade in hot climates)
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil is dry. More frequent watering needed in containers and hot weather.
📏
Spacing: 12 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 40-60 days
🌱
Planting depth: 0.25 inches for seeds; transplants at soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
compost peat moss perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as annual in cooler zones (zones 3-9) during warm season

10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons and first true leaves appearing within 7-10 days

Keep soil moist; provide bright light; maintain 70-75°F temperature; thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding

2

Vegetative

3-4 weeks

Plant develops multiple sets of true leaves and creates a bushy, compact form with increasing stem growth

Pinch off growing tips regularly to encourage branching; keep well-watered; feed every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer

3

Leafing & Growth

4-6 weeks

Dense foliage develops; plant reaches 12-18 inches tall with abundant, harvestable leaves at all nodes

Begin harvesting leaves regularly; continue pinching to maintain bushiness; monitor for pests

4

Flowering

2-4 weeks (ongoing)

Small white, pink, or purple flowers appear in terminal spikes above the foliage

Pinch off flower buds to extend vegetative growth and leaf production; allow some flowers for pollinator attraction if desired

5

Harvest & Maintenance

Until frost or end of season

Plant maintains productivity with continuous leaf growth; foliage quality remains high with proper deadheading

Harvest from top down; remove no more than one-third of plant at once; continue regular watering and fertilizing

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Tomato Pepper Parsley Oregano Thyme Marigold Nasturtium

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Rue Sage (in same container)

Common Pests

  • Spray with water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs

  • Increase humidity; spray with neem oil; ensure adequate air circulation

  • Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; apply horticultural oil

  • Avoid overhead watering; ensure good drainage; remove infected plants; use resistant varieties

Uses

🍳

Fresh Teas & Beverages

Culinary

Basil Mint Bush leaves make refreshing herbal teas with minty and peppery notes. Use fresh or dried leaves in hot or cold beverages for a unique flavor combination. [source]

🍳

Seasoning & Cooking

Culinary

Use fresh leaves as a seasoning for pasta, soups, salads, and Thai dishes. The minty-basil flavor works well in Southeast Asian cuisines and as a garnish for desserts. [source]

💊

Digestive & Wellness Support

Medicinal

Traditional use suggests basil mint may support digestion and provide antioxidant benefits. Prepare as a tea for potential digestive relief. [source]

🎨

Dried Arrangements & Potpourri

Craft

Dry leaves for long-lasting fragrant potpourri, sachets, and floral arrangements. The plant's aromatic oils retain scent well when dried. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Allow some flowers to bloom to attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects to the garden. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest leaves in the morning after dew dries for best flavor. Pinch off the top 2-3 leaf sets regularly starting when plant has 6-8 leaves. Never remove more than one-third of the plant at once. Pinch off flower buds to extend leaf production. Harvest continuously throughout the growing season.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Basil Mint Bush is a hybrid of African Blue Basil and other basil species, combining the best aromatic traits of both parents
  • 🌱 The plant's volatile oils include linalool and eugenol, which contribute to its distinctive minty-peppery aroma and have antimicrobial properties
  • 🌱 In tropical regions (zones 10-11), Basil Mint Bush can become a perennial shrub, growing 2-3 feet tall if left unpruned

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Deadhead Full Sun Hybrid Partial Shade Perennial True Leaves
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