Botanical profile

Purple Basil

Latin name
Ocimum basilicum 'Purpurascens'
Common name
Purple Basil
Type
Annual
Family
Lamiaceae

Purple basil is a very decorative annual herb, prized for its dark foliage with purple, almost burgundy hues, which brings a spectacular contrast to the vegetable garden, herb pots, and edible flower beds. Its fragrance is reminiscent of classic basil, with a slightly spicier and sometimes more robust flavor depending on the variety. It is perfect for adding color and freshness to salads, vinaigrettes, tomato dishes, pasta, colorful pestos, marinades, and summer recipes.

Easy to grow, purple basil prefers a warm, sunny, and wind-protected location, in fertile, light, and well-drained soil. It grows very well in containers on a terrace, balcony, or near the kitchen, where its foliage can be harvested regularly as needed. Regular watering, without excess water, helps maintain good growth and tender leaves. To obtain a denser plant and prolong the harvest, it is recommended to pinch the tips of the stems and remove flowers as soon as they appear.

Both aromatic, ornamental, and very versatile, purple basil is an excellent choice for creating a gourmet garden with a bolder visual appeal. Its colorful foliage pairs beautifully with green basils, tomatoes, edible flowers, lettuces, and Mediterranean herbs. It is an ideal variety for gardeners looking for a fragrant, productive, and decorative plant, capable of adding as much flavor as color to outdoor arrangements.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Very decorative and edible aromatic purple foliage
Vegetable garden, herbs, balcony, container, edible border, decorative cuisine
Container growing
Excellent container plant in a well-drained pot
Seasonal care
Pinch regularly to promote a dense habit; remove some of the flowers to prolong leaf production
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Full sun
Watering
Regular; keep the soil slightly moist without waterlogging
Humidity
Average humidity; prefers warm, well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light and regular fertilization in pots; avoid excessive nitrogen
Soil type
Fertile, light, warm, and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
10°C
Propagation method
Sowing or cuttings
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer to Autumn Harvest and Bloom
Flower color
Rosy pink
Foliage color
Dark purple
Foliage type
Warm climate tolerant
Shape
Bushy upright habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches)
Width
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, parsley
Plants to avoid
Rue, sage, and plants that prefer very dry soil.
Spacing
25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches)
Harvest period
Leaves from spring to fall
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Repellent
Helps repel certain pests

Repellent

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.