Basil, Mrihani (Ocimum basilicum) seeds, organic

(6 customer reviews)

$2.95

Family:  Mint (Lamiaceae)

Annual, with leaf harvest in 60 days

This is a traditional cultivar originally grown in Zanzibar, introduced by Richo Cech to the US in 1990.  The leaves are ruffled, with a strong characteristic basil smell and flavor, with undertones of fennel.  The flowers are purple.  In E African cuisine, the fresh or dried leaves are used as an ingredient in curries, stir fries, and the omipresent coconut-based sauces (yum!).  The plant is also an ingredient in handmade perfumes (manukato), often worn in a small cloth bag around the neck.  The scent is pervasive and pleasant.  After some time scientists in the US got ahold of this basil and isolated a gene that can be used to confer downy mildew resistance to other culinary basils. They did this without my knowledge and I’m neither here nor there about it.  The seed available here is grown by me, is organic, is true to form, is unique, and is relinquished to the public domain.  Plant prefers full sun and regular garden soil.  Plants are mid to large size and may be spaced at 2 feet apart.  Standard basil culture.

30 Seeds per packet
~800 seeds per g
~4,000 seeds per 5g
~8,000 seeds per 10g

Certified Organically Grown

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5 out of 5 stars

6 reviews

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What others are saying

  1. Bob

    Strong grower with a strong scent

    Bob

    I’ve enjoyed growing this basil and will be brewing with it as a flavoring

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  2. Question

    Jay Gaylord (verified owner)

    I have 1 seedling from a pack of mrihani basil with purple and green marbled leaves- is this normal or a unique seedling? All the other seedlings are pure green and your description on website doesn’t mention any purple leaves… Its very pretty and I’m going to take some cuttings from it when it gets bigger. Thank you!

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  3. One person found this helpful
    Janja Kadunc

    Janja Kadunc

    This is amazing basil with nice anise like smell.
    Seeds are bigger than of others basils and because they swell well, they can be used as substitute for chia seeds in many receipts.

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    • 3 out of 3 people found this helpful
      Richo Cech

      Admin Richo Cech

      Hi Janja, thank you for this good description. You are right, I have to make sure not to water the mother plants after they form seeds, otherwise the seedheads become massive globs of mucilage. Soaked basil seeds (usually Holy Basil) are commonly used in Ayurveda. Mrihani originated on the other side of the Indian Ocean–I brought it back from Zanzibar some years ago. Your comments are really helpful. Richo

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