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: Dark Purple Opal Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Growth Habit: Annual herb
Height: 12–18 inches
Flavor Profile: Classic sweet basil with a hint of clove and spice
Color: Deep purple leaves with occasional green marbling
Planting Conditions: Full sun and rich, well-drained soil
Harvest Timeline: Begin harvesting in 60–75 days
Uses: Culinary (pesto, salads, teas), ornamental borders, edible bouquets
Fun Fact: 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 leaf, it’s 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
🌞 Choose a Sunny Spot: Basil thrives in full sun with at least 6 hours of light daily.
🌱 Sow the Seeds: Start indoors 6 weeks before the last frost or direct sow after danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep.
💧 Water Gently: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew.
🌾 Thin and Maintain: Thin seedlings to 6–12 inches apart. Pinch off flower buds to encourage leaf growth.
✂️ Harvest: Begin harvesting once plants are 6–8 inches tall. Pick leaves regularly to promote bushier growth.
For Microgreens
🌱 Prepare Your Tray: Use a shallow tray with drainage. Fill with seed-starting mix or coco coir.
🌾 Sow the Seeds: Scatter seeds evenly (8–10 grams per 10"x20" tray). Lightly press into the surface.
💧 Mist and Cover: Mist gently and cover with a humidity dome or tray lid.
🌱 Germination (Days 1–4): Keep in a warm, dark place. Mist daily.
🌞 Light and Watering (Days 5–10): Remove cover and place under grow lights or in a sunny window. Begin bottom watering.
✂️ Harvest (Days 10–14): Cut when microgreens are 2–3 inches tall. Use fresh or store in the fridge for up to a week.
