Heirloom Basil
Purple Opal
(Ocimum basilicum)
Excellent heirloom strain with beautiful garnet-purple leaves and pink flowers. Equally at home in vegetable, herb or ornamental flower beds and borders. A fragrant and striking addition for bouquets.
TO PLANT DIRECTLY INTO THE GARDEN
When late spring weather has thoroughly warmed up, sow seeds 1 inch apart in well worked fertile soil in full sun. Cover 1/4 inch deep, firm soil and keep seedbed moist. Germination takes 1 to 2 weeks. After seedlings are well established, thin or transplant 8 inches apart to allow plants room to mature.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Keep warm and evenly moist, and provide a good light source. When seedlings are large enough to handle and weather is warm, acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before planting in the garden 8 inches apart.
GROWING NOTES
Remember — it is critical to plant basil in the garden only after late spring day and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Pinch off growing tips when plants are 6 to 8 inches tall to encourage branching. Harvest sprays of leaves by cutting stems just above two new sprouting lateral branches to get lush regrowth. Keep flower buds pinched off to extend harvesting and feed regularly to promote new growth.
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Mature Height |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
May – June
|
April – July
|
Full sun
|
1 inch apart
1/4 inch deep |
7 – 14 days
|
1 – 11⁄2 feet
|
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Mature Height |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
May – June
|
April – July
|
Full sun
|
1 inch apart
1/4 inch deep |
7 – 14 days
|
1 – 11⁄2 feet
|
Cold Winters
May – June
|
Mild Winters
April – July
|
Sun/Shade
Full sun
|
Sow Seeds
1 inch apart
1/4 inch deep |
Days To Germinate
7 – 14 days
|
Mature Height
1 – 11⁄2 feet
|