Fine Herbs

Purple Basil

Purple basil with very ornamental dark foliage, appreciated for its edible aromatic leaves that add color and fragrance to salads, pestos, vinegars, and summer dishes.

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Format

$4.49

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Exposure
Full sun
Hardiness
Not hardy

Discover the plant

Common namePurple Basil
FamilyLamiaceae
TypeAnnual
Botanical nameOcimum basilicum 'Purpurascens'

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.

Purple Basil

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Propagation Sowing or cuttings

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral

Minimum temperature

10°C

Care level

Easy

Watering

Regular; keep the soil slightly moist without waterlogging

Soil type

Fertile, light, warm, and well-drained soil

Fertilization

Light and regular fertilization in pots; avoid excessive nitrogen

Moisture

Average humidity; prefers warm, well-drained soil

Seasonal care

Pinch regularly to promote a dense habit; remove some of the flowers to prolong leaf production

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Excellent container plant in a well-drained pot
Purple Basil

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches)

Width / spread

30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)

Flower color

Rosy pink

Foliage color

Dark purple

Foliage type

Warm climate tolerant

Growth rate

Rapid growth

Bloom period

Summer to Autumn Harvest and Bloom

Harvest

Leaves from spring to fall
Purple Basil

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, parsley

Plants to avoid

Rue, sage, and plants that prefer very dry soil.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Supporting wildlife

Bees, butterflies