PlantFiles: Cinnamon Basil
Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon'

This also seems to be unattractive to Japanese Beetles in comparison to regular basil. I had the two planted side-by-side until I finally cut the regular basil to the ground because it was always covered with beetles. The cinnamon basil filled in and still never has more than one or two beetles on it.

Very pretty in bloom. Companion plant to repel aphids, mites and tomato hornworms. Leaves can be used fresh or dried in pasta, vegetables and soups. Pairs well with fruits and vegetables of the Mediterranean and tropics. Full sun here is too much, I had to give it some afternoon shade.

Has a small to medium-sized leaf with dark stems and blooms touched with bronze. The scent has the richness of basil with an added spiciness that is especially delicious with summer and winter squash and fresh fruits. It will go to seed and stop producing if you don't harvest the flowers.
To harvest, remove growth whenever four sets of true leaves can be left on the plant. This encourages bushier growth and increased yield. For best foliage flavor, cut before flowering. Leaf flavor changes after flowers open. After cutting, wash and pat leaves dry. Use immediately or store in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator. When drying the leaves, harvest early in the day but after dew has dried.