Add a splash of color and spice to your herb patch!
With its deep purple leaves and rich, clove-scented aroma, Basil Dark Purple Opal is a showstopper in both the garden and the kitchen. This heirloom beauty brings bold flavor and ornamental flair to everything from pasta dishes to herbal teas.
Variety:Ā Dark Purple Opal Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Growth Habit:Ā Annual herb
Height:Ā 12ā18 inches
Flavor Profile:Ā Classic sweet basil with a hint of clove and spice
Color:Ā Deep purple leaves with occasional green marbling
Planting Conditions:Ā Full sun and rich, well-drained soil
Harvest Timeline:Ā Begin harvesting in 60ā75 days
Uses:Ā Culinary (pesto, salads, teas), ornamental borders, edible bouquets
Fun Fact:Ā Developed in the 1950s at the University of Connecticut, this variety won the All-America Selections award for its unique color and flavor.
Basil Dark Purple Opal is more than just a pretty leafāitās a flavor-packed herb that brings drama to your dishes and charm to your garden. Its deep purple hue makes it a favorite for edible landscaping, while its sweet-spicy flavor shines in pestos, herbal teas, and fresh garnishes. Grow it as microgreens for a pop of color and aroma, or let it flourish into a lush, fragrant bush that bees and cooks will both adore.
To Full Size
šĀ Choose a Sunny Spot:Ā Basil thrives in full sun with at least 6 hours of light daily.
š±Ā Sow the Seeds:Ā Start indoors 6 weeks before the last frost or direct sow after danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep.
š§Ā Water Gently:Ā Keep soil moist but not soggy. Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew.
š¾Ā Thin and Maintain:Ā Thin seedlings to 6ā12 inches apart. Pinch off flower buds to encourage leaf growth.
āļøĀ Harvest:Ā Begin harvesting once plants are 6ā8 inches tall. Pick leaves regularly to promote bushier growth.
For Microgreens
š±Ā Prepare Your Tray:Ā Use a shallow tray with drainage. Fill with seed-starting mix or coco coir.
š¾Ā Sow the Seeds:Ā Scatter seeds evenly (8ā10 grams per 10"x20" tray). Lightly press into the surface.
š§Ā Mist and Cover:Ā Mist gently and cover with a humidity dome or tray lid.
š±Ā Germination (Days 1ā4):Ā Keep in a warm, dark place. Mist daily.
šĀ Light and Watering (Days 5ā10):Ā Remove cover and place under grow lights or in a sunny window. Begin bottom watering.
āļøĀ Harvest (Days 10ā14):Ā Cut when microgreens are 2ā3 inches tall. Use fresh or store in the fridge for up to a week.