Purple Ruffles Basil

Ocimum basilicum

This All America Award winner for 1987 looks remarkably like miniature perilla. Leaves are much darker than regular opal basil and the plant is larger, 18 to 24 inches. The flower stalk of 6" with pink blooms is more dramatic than other basils. Like opal basil, it can be used as both an ornamental and culinary herb. The flavor is good and the color adds drama to garnishes and herbal vinegar.

100 seeds

PLANTING

Annual 

Germination:  5-10 days

Seed Planting Depth:  Lightly cover

Seeding Indoors/Outdoors:  Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-70 degrees soil temperatures. Transplant 6-12" apart. Sow outdoors in the late spring when the soil warms to 70 degrees. Thin to 4-12" apart, less space apart for baby-sized basil and more for mature plants.

Light Needs:  Sun 

Soil Needs: Fertile, moist soil

Uses:  Culinary, medicinal, attracts bees and beneficials.