Dark Opal basil
Ocimum basilicum
HOW TO GROW BASIL
Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost, plant out 1 week after frost. In warmer climates, directly sow in a sunny location when soil temps are above 60-65˚F, tender annual. Requires bottom heat. If evening greenhouse air temperatures dip below 50˚F, domed clear covering may be needed to initiate germination, then remove covering. Pinch branch buds to encourage further branching, leaf production and prevent bolting. Dry herb bunches by hanging from ceiling or lay on screens in a dark, dry, ventilated location. Harvest for drying at peak maturity when flowers are just beginning to appear, leaves contain the most essential oils at that time, after that oils are transferred to flowers and then to seeds. Soil pH 5.1-8.5. Hardiness zones 7-11. Annual.
Days from maturity calculated from the date of seeding. Average 22,400 seeds per ounce. There are no Federal germination standards for commercially sold herb seeds. Usual seed life 3-5 years. Isolation distance for seed saving: 150 feet.
Planting Depth 1/4”
Soil Temp. Germ. 70-85˚F
Days to Germ. 7-14
Plant Spacing 12-18”
Row Spacing 18-24”
Days To Maturity 80
Full Sun, Moist Well Drained
Days from maturity calculated from the date of seeding. Average 22,400 seeds per ounce. There are no Federal germination standards for commercially sold herb seeds. Usual seed life 3-5 years. Isolation distance for seed saving: 150 feet.
Planting Depth 1/4”
Soil Temp. Germ. 70-85˚F
Days to Germ. 7-14
Plant Spacing 12-18”
Row Spacing 18-24”
Days To Maturity 80
Full Sun, Moist Well Drained
- 200 Seeds$4.10
- 2000 Seeds$19.50
Popular dark purple bronze sweet basil with slight licorice flavor. Adds color and flavor to your cooking. Likely the same basil Vilmorin referred to in 1885 as, “Large Purple Sweet Basil.” Also used for micro greens and ornamental gardens with its beautiful lilac pink flowers with dark red stems and lance shaped le...
Popular dark purple bronze sweet basil with slight licorice flavor. Adds color and flavor to your cooking. Likely the same basil Vilmorin referred to in 1885 as, “Large Purple Sweet Basil.” Also used for micro greens and ornamental gardens with its beautiful lilac pink flowers with dark red stems and lance shaped leaves. Grows to 12–18”, slow to bolt. Tags: Color: Purple, Specialty: Deer Resistant, Heritage: Heirloom, Season: Summer, Seed: Safe Seed Pledge.
There are many varieties of basil. The type used in Italian food is called sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) as opposed to Thai basil (O. basilicum thyrsiflora), lemon basil (Ocimum citriodorum) and holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) which are used in Asian cooking and medicine. Ocimum is derived from the Greek word meaning to smell, like other plants in the mint family with square stems. Basil oils have potent antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. Delicious basil recipes.
There are many varieties of basil. The type used in Italian food is called sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) as opposed to Thai basil (O. basilicum thyrsiflora), lemon basil (Ocimum citriodorum) and holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) which are used in Asian cooking and medicine. Ocimum is derived from the Greek word meaning to smell, like other plants in the mint family with square stems. Basil oils have potent antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. Delicious basil recipes.
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