Scent Leaf

Scent Leaf is a flavorful herb from Nigeria and Ghana, where it is used in various dishes, including Pepper Soup and Black Soup. Pepper soup has strong medicinal uses, and is regularly eaten by women for a week after giving birth. It is also used as a great green garnish for many African foods including Okra Soup, adding a spicy basil flavor. Most people in Nigeria grow it in their home gardens or harvest it from the wild spaces around their homes.

Also known as efirin, ntong, dogosui, daidoya, ebe-amwonkho, and mujaaja.

Days to maturity: 90

Seeds per pack: 150

Germination rate: 81% on 02/01/2024

Planting / harvesting notes

Basil seeds require sunlight to germinate well. Sow on the surface of moist potting soil and do not cover. Keep lightly moist until germination. Transplant 1-3' apart. Bushes get 5' tall and a couple feet wide. Continually harvest - this plant is a vigorous grower in warmer months.

Seed keeping notes

Allow seedheads to dry on the plant. Cut the stalks below the lowest seed clusters. If necessary, dry the seedheads further in the sun on a sheet or table away from moisture and precipitation. When fully dry, whack the seedheads in a bucket, allowing the ripest seed to fall. Sift through strainers to remove the largest chaff, and then winnow off the lighter chaff with your breath, a fan, or the wind.

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