Purple Basil
This variety looks similar to Italian basil but with a deep purple, almost black color. These pigments are caused by high concentrations of compounds called anthocyanins, which have antioxidant properties. Purple Basil is also a great source of vitamin K, which plays a role in wound healing, vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system, and beta-carotene, a compound that is converted into vitamin A and helps maintain optimal organ functioning.
Category
Days to Sprout
Taste It for
Temprature
Germination
Pollination
Prunning
Plant Health
Support
Harvest
Vegetables
7-14
4-5 weeks
Prefers warmer temperatures (70-85F).
Remove leaves with brown spots if they appear. Check the roots monthly and trim any that are brown or extending past the yPod. For bushier growth, regularly harvest at the stem above the growth nodes (see Harvest below). To delay bolting, pinch off flower buds as they appear.
Aphids are a common pest, but you can use our prevention and treatment tricks to keep pests at bay! Root rot and Downy Mildew are also common diseases best controlled by regular root checks and removing any leaves with brown spots as they appear.
Harvesting frequently helps prolong the plant’s life. Pinch off individual leaves, or use clean shears to cut stems above growth nodes. Find growth nodes just above the two largest leaves on a stem. You should see another, small set of leaves or knobs (nodes) growing between the stem and larger set of leaves. Cut the stem 1/4-1/2″ above the nodes and watch the small leaves grow large!
Origin
Purple Basil is a relatively new plant, cultivated in the last 100 years from wild basil plants. Scientists who planted the seeds selected one dark, purple basil plant that grew amongst the seedlings which was further bred and developed into the Purple Basil we love today.
Qualities
This variety looks similar to Italian basil but with a deep purple, almost black color. These pigments are caused by high concentrations of compounds called anthocyanins, which have antioxidant properties. Purple Basil is also a great source of vitamin K, which plays a role in wound healing, vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system, and beta-carotene, a compound that is converted into vitamin A and helps maintain optimal organ functioning.