Place the pot near a sunny window. This is because the amount of oil the plant produces will be reduced. This annual ornamental herb sports aromatic dark purple-black leaves, which lend themselves to pasta, vegetable and soup dishes. It's best to harvest when there are at least several sets of leaves that can be left to grow. Not terribly fussy about soil type, this basil variety just needs one that is well-drained and not overly dry. PLANT SPACING: 4-8". Since then, many varietals have been introduced. If you want to maximize the growth and flavor of the basil foliage, you should It prefers warm temperature, above 50 F (10 C), and doesn’t tolerate frost.

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Here is the link: https://www.amazon.cThis website uses cookies to improve your experience. Ocimum basilicum ‘Purpurascens’ The granddaddy of purple-leaved garden basils may well be Ocimum basilicum ‘Purpurascens’, first identified in the 1830s by George Bentham, a British botanist. Too much heat will mean the leaves will be more green rather than purple, and it can impact on the intensity of their flavor. Shipping & Delivery. In summer, attractive spikes of small, tubular cerise flowers arranged in whorls are borne above the foliage. The University of Connecticut originally bred dark opal basil, a type of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), in the 1950s. Keep an eye out for leafhoppers, aphids, slugs, snails and powdery mildews. Plant seeds in a small pot, making a 1/4-inch indentation in the soil with your thumb. Plant seeds of this basil in a light, well-draining soil that’s amended with well-composted materials. Use fertilizer sparingly – apply a general-use fertilizer at a ratio of 1/3 cup to every 25 square feet of growing area once every 2 to 3 weeks.Pluck off and dispose of any beetles on the plant by hand.Quiet Corner is your place for relaxation!

Varieties of Basil to Grow Indoors 1. Allow 3 to 14 days for germination. During the hotter summer months, make sure that the soil is kept moist. This herb prefers full sunlight but easily tolerates partial shade as well. To dry the leaves, hang out of direct light, then store in an airtight container in a cool place. All the leaves are egg-shaped (about 11/4 inches wide and 2 inches long) and sparsely toothed along their margins. Make sure that you … The key to success is to locate dark opal basil in a sheltered spot. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Only plants will be removed from the collection. Sweet Basil. The Dark Opal is a spicy variety of basil that is suitable in food like pesto and pasta. Without this, it'll be unlikely to thrive. Dark opal basil prefers light, rich, well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. 3. You should start them off indoors or wait until outdoor temperatures are above 65 to 70 degrees F. Place the seed in the indentation and cover it with loose soil. Basil is not drought tolerant and can be damaged by heat stress. Quiet Corner will help keep you informed and it’s the definitive resource for weight loss, smart nutrition, health and beauty, home and gardening and all little things that make life happy, filled with tips, tricks and recipes to get you the body—and the life—you want…This is something different. Make sure the fertilizer isn't too strong and that you don't use too much. Mostly I have abouFound it on Amazon Carmen. The flowers are edible. Harvest when stems begin to toughen and firm or as soon as flowers begin to form. JOIN THE FLORET NEWSLETTER AND STAY IN THE LOOP ON ALL THE EXCITING HAPPENINGS HERE ON THE FARM. It is best done in the early morning when the temperature is cooler … Your dark opal basil will grow well in containers kept in a warm and sunny spot in your home. Noted for its striking foliage and delicate licorice scent, Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal' (Sweet Basil) is an annual or biennial herb with stunning deep purple almost black leaves. This plant grows best in well fertilized soils. How to Grow Dark Opal Basil 1. Sweet basil is the most common basil variety.it has cup-shaped leaves. Unless you live in particularly hot regions, your dark opal basil will appreciate a full sun position. While most basils are grown just for their leaves and flavor, Dark Opal Basil is also very … Although this species can cope with hot, humid or dry conditions, it prefers cooler, more temperate regions. Basil is a wonderful herb for garnish, in salads, or for adding color to basil vinegars. See the product description for exact heights. This species is also very frost sensitive and would be better housed indoors if temperatures drop considerably overnight.