Purple Dark Opal Basil Herb Heirloom Seeds

Purple Dark Opal Basil Heirloom Seeds – Fragrant & Vibrant Culinary Herb

Purple Dark Opal Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a stunning heirloom basil variety prized for its deep purple, glossy leaves and fragrant, sweet aroma. Its rich color and robust flavor make it a favorite for garnishes, salads, pesto, and flavored vinegar. This annual herb thrives in gardens, containers, and microgreen setups, producing beautiful lilac flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Growing 8-10 inches tall, it provides both visual appeal and culinary versatility, making it a must-have for any herb garden.

For more heirloom herb seeds, explore our Herb Seed Collection.

Why Choose Purple Dark Opal Basil Seeds?

1. Striking Deep Purple Leaves – Creates a bold contrast in gardens and culinary dishes.
2. Rich & Sweet Flavor – Ideal for pesto, salads, microgreens, and garnishes.
3. Pollinator-Friendly – The delicate lilac flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
4. Compact & Versatile – Grows well in containers, raised beds, and hydroponic setups.
5. Fast-Growing & Productive – Produces abundant leaves in as little as 30 days.
6. Non-GMO & Open-Pollinated – Perfect for organic gardening and seed-saving.
7. Eco-Friendly Packaging – Resealable, biodegradable seed packets reduce waste.

Key Features

Appearance

• Leaves: Dark purple, glossy, and slightly serrated.
• Flowers: Small, delicate lilac blossoms appear in mid to late summer.
• Height: Grows 8-10 inches tall, making it perfect for small-space gardening.

Growth Characteristics

• Maturity: Ready for harvest in 30-60 days.
• Growing Habit: Compact, bushy plant with a high leaf yield.
• Lifespan: Annual plant, meaning it completes its cycle in one season.

Planting & Growing Instructions

When to Plant

• Spring & Summer Planting: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow once temperatures are consistently above 65°F.
• Indoor Growing: Can be grown year-round in containers under grow lights.

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun (6-8 hours daily) for deep purple pigmentation.
• Soil Type: Well-draining, rich, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.

How to Plant

1. Prepare the Soil: Loosen and enrich with compost for optimal growth.
2. Sow Seeds: Scatter seeds on the soil surface and lightly cover with 1/8 inch of soil.
3. Spacing: Keep plants 8-12 inches apart for airflow and bushy growth.
4. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering.
5. Transplanting: Move indoor seedlings outdoors when temperatures stay above 65°F.

Care & Maintenance

• Watering: Water basil deeply once or twice per week, ensuring well-drained soil.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced organic fertilizer every 3-4 weeks to encourage leafy growth.
• Pruning: Pinch off flower buds to extend leaf production and maintain a bushy shape.
• Pest Control: Basil is generally pest-resistant but may attract aphids. Use neem oil or companion plant with marigolds to deter pests.

Harvesting & Storing Purple Dark Opal Basil

When to Harvest

• 30-60 days after planting, once plants have 4-6 sets of leaves.
• Pick young leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store fresh basil in a sealed container with a damp paper towel for up to 1 week.
• Drying: Air-dry leaves in a cool, dark place, then store in an airtight jar.
• Freezing: Chop basil, mix with olive oil, and freeze in ice cube trays for long-term storage.

Benefits

1. Beautiful & Unique Herb

• Adds vibrant purple color to gardens, salads, and culinary dishes.

2. Delicious & Aromatic Flavor

• A sweeter, less spicy alternative to green basil varieties, perfect for fresh and dried herb uses.

3. Supports Pollinators

• The lilac flowers attract bees and butterflies, boosting your garden’s biodiversity.

4. Low-Maintenance & High-Yielding

• A fast-growing, beginner-friendly herb with continuous harvests throughout the season.

5. Great for Companion Planting

• Grows well with tomatoes, peppers, and other garden vegetables, improving growth and pest control.

About Our Seeds

• Non-GMO & Open-Pollinated: Sustainably sourced, perfect for organic gardening.
• High Germination Rates: Ensures strong, healthy plants for abundant harvests.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Resealable, biodegradable seed packets.
• Chemical-Free: Untreated seeds, free from pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

Package Quantity:

0.2g (~100 Seeds)