Basil – Purple

Attractive large aromatic purple leaves have a sweet aroma and flavor. Similar to Sweet Basil, Purple Basil has slightly more intense flavor. It can be used in any recipe that calls for Sweet Basil, but with it’s more intense flavoring maybe you will use less. Purple Basil is a great border plant for herb and flower gardens. It is one of the more tender varieties, it is outstanding to add color and flavor to tomato sauce, pesto, salads, dressings, and meat dishes. It also can be used for flavoring vegetables, tomato dishes, soups, stews, spagetti, and many other dishes. This herb is wonderful either fresh or dried. Grows well in the garden or in the kitchen in a container. It makes an attractive pot plant. It’s beautiful foliage has made it an attractive addition to the home landscape.
Sowing: Direct sow 1/4-1/2 inch deep. Sow direct from early spring after danger of frost to mid-summer. Plant in full sun. Keep moderately moist while germinating. Can also be grown indoors.
Germination: 7-21 days Spacing: 12-15 inches Height: 18-24 inches
Moisture: Normal Days to Maturity: 70-80 days Light: Full Sun
Care information: For fresh use wait six weeks from planting to begin harvesting the leaves. Make the final harvest before the first frost in the fall. For dry use: harvest leaves just before the plant produces flowers. Pinching back new growth will encourage bushy plants. Also, remove flower before seed matures. Do not store fresh Purple Basil in the refrigerator. Store fresh basil sprigs in a glass of cool water on the counter out of direct sun. Cut stem just before flowers open, strip leaves and use fresh, or dry on a tray in a dark, airy place. Store dried leaves in an air tight container. Leaves may also be frozen.
Ocimum basilicumpurpurea
Annual