Ocimum basilicum Spice Boys Queen of Sheba | Intense Purple Flowers

Spice Boys Queen of Sheba is a distinctive basil variety combining rich culinary value with outstanding ornamental beauty. This aromatic annual forms a dense, bushy plant with vibrant green foliage contrasted by striking purple-violet stems and elegant flowering spikes.

Blooming from late summer into autumn, this basil brings colour, fragrance and pollinator activity to herb gardens, borders and container plantings. The spicy leaves carry unique notes of lemon, tarragon and anise, making this variety especially valued in Asian and Thai cuisine.

Compact and decorative, Queen of Sheba is equally suitable for kitchen gardens, patio pots and sunny windowsills, where its fragrance fills the air and fresh leaves are always within reach.

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum
• Variety: Spice Boys Queen of Sheba
• Common name: Basil
• Plant type: Annual herb
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Growth habit: Dense, bushy
• Leaf colour: Bright green
• Stem & flowers: Intense purple-violet
• Height: 30–40 cm
• Spread: approx. 30–40 cm
• Exposure: Full sun to light partial shade
• Flowering / harvest: September–November
• Use: Herb garden, edible flower, bedding, pots, patio containers, pollinator-friendly gardens

Why Grow Queen of Sheba Basil

• Decorative purple flowering basil with strong visual impact
• Unique spicy aroma with lemon, anise and tarragon notes
• Excellent culinary herb for Asian dishes, curries, soups and meats
• Attractive to beneficial insects and pollinators
• Compact growth ideal for pots and small gardens
• Combines edible and ornamental value

Sowing & Germination

• Germination method: Surface sow — light required
• Temperature: around 20°C
• Days to germination: 0–7 days
• Sowing depth: Press lightly onto moist compost, do not cover
• Seeds per gram: approx. 480
• Start indoors or sow directly in warm conditions. Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.

• Growing Information
• Basil prefers warm, sheltered positions and well-drained, humus-rich soil.
• Light: Sun or light partial shade
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained
• Watering: Regular but moderate; avoid cold wet conditions
• Harvest: 6–10 weeks after sowing
• Maintenance: Regular pinching encourages bushy growth and more leaves

For prolonged flowering, remove faded flower spikes to encourage new blooms.

Harvest & Culinary Use

Harvest leaves as needed from early summer through autumn by pinching or cutting stems. Best flavour develops when leaves release a strong aroma.

Ideal for:

• Asian and Thai cuisine
• Stir fries, curries and soups
• Meat and fish dishes
• Herbal teas
• Edible flower decoration

Gardener’s Tip

Plant basil between tomato plants — basil roots help reduce nematode problems while creating a perfect culinary pairing for fresh summer dishes.