BASIL PURPLE Ocimum basilicum purpureum Characteristics Type: Annual Herb Water: Medium Height: 12 – 18 inches Resistance: Fusarium Wilt, Heat & Spread: 12 – 18 inches Pests Bloom Description: Lilac/pink Maintenance: Low Harvest Time: Summer to Fall Suggested Use: Cuisine, Ornamental Sun: Full Sun Attracts: Bees, Butterflies Culture Basil is easy to grow. Beautiful lilac/pink flowers with dark red stems. Excellent contrast with green basil. Spectacular as a garnish, in salads, or for adding color to basil vinegars. Purple basil is a colorful addition to any flower or herb garden, particularly as a filler or edger. With a strong, almost spicy aroma, purple basil can contribute to your garden with aroma as well as its bold foliage. An additional benefit is that it is useful seasoning in Italian, Greek, Mexican, and tomato dishes. Purple basil can be used in any recipe that calls for sweet basil, although the flavor is more intense than traditional sweet basil. Amazing purple foliage looks attractive in cut flower arrangements. Consider letting at least one plant flower. Bees and hummingbirds will enjoy the nectar of this plant. Noteworthy Characteristics Ocimum basilicum, commonly called basil, is a native of Africa and Asia. Like other purple basils, the purple color is from anthocyanins, especially cyanidin-3-(di-p-coumarylglucoside)-5- glucoside but also other cyanidin based and peonidin based compounds. 'Dark opal', along with other large leaved purple cultivars such as 'Purple Ruffles', has a high concentration of anthocyanins and is considered a potential source of red pigments for the food industry. Problems No serious insect or disease problems. Basil loves hot weather and plenty of sunshine, but it needs consistently moist, rich soil. Mulch the plants to retain moisture, and water heavily during dry spells. Garden Uses Harvest the plant before the cold weather sets in, as this will affect the leaves' texture and flavor. Freeze entire stems, with the leaves still attached, for best flavor retention, or dry the leaves for seasoning. .