Purple basil (ocimum basilicum) is an aromatic basil crop of great beauty. With dense evergreen foliage, it is often grown as an annual and has deep purple leaves.
Although this variety may grow a little slower than others, its dark leaves, intense sweet and spicy flavor, and beautiful pink flowers, which appear from mid to late summer, make it worth the effort to grow.
The foliage has a much stronger scent than more common green basil varieties, which also adds to its appeal. The buds, like the leaves, are edible. But if you don’t plan on harvesting this basil, it looks beautiful when grown in containers outdoors or in a well-lit spot indoors.
botanical name ocimum basilicum
Popular name Purple basil
plant type Yearly
mature size between 0.5 and 1 meter tall
sun exposure full sun
soil type Loamy, sandy, well drained
Tolerates a wide range of soil pH
flowering End of summer
color of flowers Purple
native area Tropical from Central Africa to Southeast Asia
How to grow purple basil
As with other basil varieties, it likes lots of light, heat, and well-draining, moist, fertile soil.
Light
Unless you live in particularly hot regions, your purple basil will like a full sun position. Ideally, they’ll want at least six hours of full sun to thrive.
Ground
Not very picky about the type of groundthis variety of basil only needs one that is well drained and not overly dry.
Mulching can help dry soils to retain moisture better, especially in hot regions, and the addition of a little organic matter is welcome if basil is planted in a substrate that is poorer in nutrients.
Water
During the hottest summer months, make sure the soil is moist. It’s best to do this in the morning to avoid too much moisture overnight.
Temperature and Humidity
The key to success is planting it in a protected location. Without it, it will hardly prosper.
While this species can handle hot, wet, or dry conditions, it prefers cooler, more temperate regions. Too much heat will cause the leaves to turn more green than purple, and this can affect the intensity of the flavor.
This species is also very sensitive to frost, so it’s best to house it indoors if temperatures drop considerably at night.
Fertilizer
To apply fertilizer regularly can help ensure healthy growth. However, you need to get the balance right. Overfertilizing can affect the flavor intensity and you won’t get as aromatic basil. This is because the amount of oil the plant produces will be reduced.
Make sure the fertilizer isn’t too strong and that you use it in the right dosage.
pruning
If you want to maximize the growth and flavor of your basil’s foliage, you should pluck the flower heads as they begin to appear. Leaving the flowers will make the leaves taste bitter and not grow as prolifically.
Even if you don’t plan on picking the leaves, it’s recommended to cut the flowers after they bloom.
Harvest
It is best to harvest when there are at least several sets of leaves that can be left to grow. This allows for healthier growth and a better crop yield.
Always select leaves from top to bottom and continue to pinch every month for up to six weeks, even if you are not picking. This will encourage bushy growth instead of skinny and wimpy.
cultivation in pots
Your purple basil will grow well in containers kept in a warm, sunny location. Make sure the pot you use allows for good drainage – these plants don’t like to get too wet.
If you have multiple plants in a pot, make sure they are spaced far enough apart. Plants that are too close together can increase the chance of fungus developing.
Cultivation from seeds
P Purple basil needs warm conditions for successful seed germination. You should start them indoors or wait until outside temperatures are above 18°C to 22°C.
Germination usually takes two to three weeks. The soil should be kept consistently moist during this time, and as the seedlings mature they can be moved to a sunnier position.
*Via The Spruce