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Dark Opal basil next to a pink cloth.

Dark Opal basil seeds

SKU: D47409

Dark Opal basil is by far the flashiest and most stunning basil varieties. It was awarded in 1962 at the All-American Selection awards. It was developed at the University of CT in the '50s. The leaves are a burgundy color and only intensify as the plant matures. When it's younger, you will see some leaves are purple and green mottled, almost like marble. This basil is grown for its beauty and its flavor, as an ornamental and an herb.

 

The flavor of dark opal basil is very similar to sweet basil. This basil lends itself best to fresh salads, dried for teas, basil vinegar, and pasta sauces, especially a purple pesto. Dark Opal will grow to be 12 - 18 inches. If left to bloom, the plant will develop very light, fragrant lilac flowers. You can cut the tips off as they flower to prolong the leaf production and make the basil more bush-like. This can be grown with green basil to create a visually appealing contrast to your herb garden.

 

Seed count: 100

  • Botanic name:

    Ocimum basilicum 'Purpurascens'

  • Plant spacing:

    4 - 8 inches apart

     

  • Color:

    Dark burgundy leaves

  • Sowing depth:

    1/4 inch

     

  • Sun requirements:

    Full sun / part shade

     

  • Utilization:

    Herb salads, dressings, garnishes, desserts, dried, or grown to deter pests. 

  • Frost Hardy:

    No

     

  • Maturity days:

    60 - 70 days

     

  • Life cycle:

    Annual

  • Can I start indoors:

    Yes

     

  • Container friendly:

    Yes

  • Other names:

    Sweet Basil 'Dark Opal', Purple Ruffles basil

  • Vine Habit:

     

$2.99Price

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