How to Grow Peppermint Basil
Wikimedia Commons
Peppermint Basil
Ocimum × citriodorum
herbPeppermint basil is a hybrid basil variety with distinctive peppermint and anise-like flavor notes, offering a unique culinary twist beyond traditional sweet basil. It produces small purple or white flowers and grows as a compact, bushy annual herb. The aromatic foliage and ornamental appeal make it attractive in both kitchen gardens and ornamental plantings.
When should you plant Peppermint Basil in your zone?
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Example Peppermint Basil timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Peppermint Basil
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Peppermint Basil
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Peppermint Basil dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-10; grow as annual in cooler zones, tender perennial in warm zones
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Seedling
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with two rounded cotyledons (seed leaves); true basil leaves appear shortly after
Keep soil moist but not soggy; provide bright indirect light; maintain 65-75°F temperatures; thin seedlings to 1-2 inches apart once true leaves appear
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple sets of true leaves, becoming bushier and more compact; stems thicken and new leaf sets emerge continuously
Pinch off growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent early flowering; fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced organic fertilizer; maintain consistent moisture
Flowering
Begins around 50-60 days; ongoing if not managedSmall purple, pink, or white flower spikes emerge from the top of stems; foliage remains aromatic and flavorful throughout flowering
Pinch off flower buds as they appear to redirect energy to leaf production and extend harvest; allow some flowers to bloom for pollinator attraction if desired
Peak Harvest
4-8 weeksPlant is full, bushy, and leafy with abundant aromatic foliage; regular harvesting keeps it productive
Harvest leaves regularly to maintain vigor; cut stems above leaf nodes to encourage branching; remove any diseased or yellowing leaves
End of Season/Decline
Variable by climatePlant becomes woody, less productive; foliage may thin as temperatures cool (in fall) or heat stress increases
Consider replanting for fall or early spring harvest in mild climates; in warm regions, may produce year-round with adequate water and shade during intense heat
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick early morning; use neem oil; plant marigolds nearby as deterrent
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; increase humidity around plant
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil spray; ensure good air circulation
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Ensure well-draining soil; avoid overhead watering; remove infected plants; improve air circulation
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Space plants adequately; water at soil level; remove affected leaves; apply sulfur fungicide if severe
Uses
Tea and beverages
CulinaryFresh or dried peppermint basil leaves create aromatic, cooling herbal teas with subtle anise notes. Perfect for iced beverages, cocktails, and refreshing summer drinks. [source]
Flavoring and garnish
CulinaryUse fresh leaves to flavor desserts, chocolate dishes, fruit salads, and cocktails. The peppermint-anise blend adds complexity to sweet and savory dishes. [source]
Digestive and respiratory support
MedicinalBasil contains compounds that may aid digestion and support respiratory health. Traditional herbal use includes tea for stomach comfort and breath freshness. [source]
Fresh arrangement and dried herb
HouseholdAttractive flower spikes and fragrant foliage make it suitable for fresh floral arrangements and dried herbal sachets for storage or aromatics. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, peppermint basil's blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other 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 anytime after plant has 6-8 inches of growth; pinch off top 1-2 inches of stems to encourage bushiness; harvest in morning after dew dries for best flavor and aroma; regular harvesting promotes new growth and delays flowering; can be harvested continuously throughout growing season
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Peppermint basil is not technically true basil or peppermint, but a hybrid basil variety (Ocimum × citriodorum) that combines flavor notes from both parents, making it botanically unique
- 🌱 Unlike sweet basil which stores well dried, peppermint basil is best used fresh as drying can diminish its distinctive peppermint-anise characteristics
- 🌱 Basil plants have been used in traditional medicine for centuries across multiple cultures, with modern research identifying compounds like linalool and eugenol with potential health benefits
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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