HERB ‘Dark Opal Basil’ Seeds
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens
- Striking Appearance: Deep purple foliage with occasional green marbling, adding colour contrast to garden beds and kitchen dishes.
- Unique Flavour: Sweet yet slightly spicy taste, ideal for salads, pesto, pasta, and as an eye-catching garnish.
- Dual Purpose: Equally valued as an ornamental and culinary herb — enhances borders, pots, and mixed plantings.
- Pollinator Friendly: Produces delicate pink-lavender flowers that attract bees and beneficial insects.
- Growth Habit: Compact annual basil, typically 30–45 cm tall; thrives in warm, sunny conditions.
- Easy to Grow: Prefers well-drained soil, regular watering, and full sun for best leaf colour intensity.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Warm-season annual
- Plant Height: 30–45 cm
Sowing Information
- Germination: 7–14 days
- Depth: Sow 2–3 mm deep, lightly pressed into soil
- Position: Full sun
- Sow Where: Direct in garden beds or in containers
- Soil Type: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil (pH 6.0–7.5)
- Spacing: 20–30 cm between plants
Growing Tips
- Keep soil evenly moist—avoid letting it dry out.
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pinch out flower buds early to extend leaf production.
- Harvest leaves regularly for continued growth.
- Ideal for pots in cooler areas—bring indoors if needed.
- Apply light fertiliser every 3–4 weeks for optimal results.
Harvest
- First Harvest: Begin picking leaves once plants reach 15–20 cm tall, usually 6–8 weeks after sowing.
- Regular Picking: Harvest young leaves frequently to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering too early.
- Pinching Tips: Pinch off the top sets of leaves to stimulate side shoots and increase yield.
- Flower Management: Remove flower spikes as they appear to keep flavour strong and prolong the harvest period.
- Best Use: Harvest in the cool of the morning for maximum aroma and store leaves fresh, dried, or frozen for later use.
When to Sow Dark Opal Basil in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | Spring and Summer | Sow after frost; ideal for warm, sunny spots |
| Subtropical | Spring and Summer | Grow outdoors or in shaded containers in peak heat |
| Tropical | Autumn to Spring | Avoid wet season; grow in well-drained pots |
| Cool | Late Spring to Early Summer | Start indoors earlier to get a head start |
| Arid | Early Spring and Late Summer | Avoid extreme heat; protect seedlings |
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