Vanilla Spice Basil (also known as Blue Spice Basil) is a distinctive, aromatic variety of basil prized for its complex fragrance, ornamental beauty, and culinary versatility. It is a cultivar of Ocimum basilicum and stands apart from sweet basil due to its warm, spicy, and slightly floral character.
General Description
Vanilla/Blue Spice Basil is a medium to tall, upright basil plant, typically growing 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) high. It has a bushy, branching habit and is often grown both as a culinary herb and as an ornamental plant in gardens and containers.
Appearance
Leaves: Narrow, elongated, and pointed, usually a muted green with occasional purplish veins
Stems: Often tinged with purple
Flowers: Small, pale lavender to soft purple flowers arranged on tall spikes
Overall look: Elegant and airy compared to common sweet basil, with a slightly wild or heirloom appearance
Aroma
This basil is especially valued for its unique scent, which blends:
Warm vanilla-like sweetness
Clove and allspice notes
Hints of cinnamon and anise
The fragrance is stronger and more perfumed than standard basil, making it popular for dried uses and aromatic applications.
Flavor Profile
Mildly sweet and spicy
Less peppery than sweet basil
Subtle vanilla and clove undertones
Not overpowering, but complex and lingering
Because of its gentle flavor, it pairs best with dishes where basil is meant to enhance rather than dominate.
Culinary Uses
Vanilla/Blue Spice Basil is versatile and especially well-suited for:
Herbal teas and infusions
Fruit dishes (berries, peaches, citrus)
Desserts (custards, syrups, ice cream, baked goods)
Light sauces and vinaigrettes
Thai- and Middle Eastern–inspired dishes
Drying, where its aroma remains strong
It is less commonly used in traditional Italian pesto, as its flavor differs from sweet basil.
Medicinal & Aromatic Uses
Traditionally, spice basils have been used for:
Digestive support
Mild calming effects
Aromatherapy (uplifting and warming scent)
Potpourri and sachets due to their long-lasting fragrance
Growing Characteristics
Sun: Full sun preferred
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
Water: Moderate, consistent moisture
Growth rate: Fast in warm weather
Pollinators: Highly attractive to bees and butterflies
It is heat-tolerant and performs well in summer gardens. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and delays flowering.
Origin & Classification
Species: Ocimum basilicum
Type: Spice basil
Closely related to other aromatic basils like cinnamon basil and clove basil