Dark Opal Basil Plant Profile

Basil is an aromatic culinary herb the plant is very tender. Noted for its striking foliage and delicate licorice scent ocimum basilicum dark opal sweet basil is an annual or biennial herb with stunning deep purple almost black leaves.

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It also has purple bracts with slightly lighter purple flowers.

Dark opal basil plant profile. Strong basil perfect to pair with vinegary dishes to mellow the acidity. Dark opal basil was a 1962 winner of the all american selection award. It has very dark purple leaves that are slightly shiny.

Dark opal is a very popular purple basil variety. Deep purple basil with a beautiful sheen. Allow 3 to 14 days for germination.

While most basils are grown just for their leaves and flavor dark opal basil is also very ornamental in. With deep purple leaves and dark red stems this variety is the perfect garnish and can add a pop of color to pesto and salad dressings. Dark opal basil sports deep purple glossy leaves and is highly ornamental in the flower bed or in a container.

As with other basil varieties dark opal likes plenty of light warmth a sheltered position and well drained moist and fertile soil. Dark opal can add interest to a large container arrangement with its attractive foliage. Start seeds indoors or plant outside when temperatures are 65 degrees f.

Dark opal basil produces purple pink flowers in the summer months anne heathen flckr attribution 2 0 generic cc by 2 0 how to grow dark opal basil. With deep purple sometimes mottled leaves it is grown as much for its decorative appeal as for its culinary value. Basil dark opal isn t one of the easiest basil varieties to grow but its dark purple and slightly liquorice flavoured leaves are worth a little extra effort.

The pale pink flowers are a beautiful contrast to the dark foliage. 18 c or warmer. Move into a partially sunny spot as leaves develop.

To remove the plant from the container gently brace the base of the plant tip it sideways and tap the outside of the pot to loosen. Growing dark opal basil plants. In summer attractive spikes of small tubular cerise flowers arranged in whorls are borne above the foliage.

Start seeds indoors or plant outside when temperatures are 65 degrees f. Water plants sparingly ideally before noon so the roots have time to dry. Sow seed indoors in a greenhouse or on a warm windowsill and don t move plants outside until summer.

Dark opal basil is a cultivar of ocimum basilicum sweet basil developed by john scarchuk and joseph lent at the university of connecticut in the 1950s. Plant seeds of this basil in a light well draining soil that s amended with well composted materials. Position plants so that taller plants are in the center or background of the landscape design and shorter plants in the foreground.

18 c or warmer. Check the plant label for suggested spacing and the mature height of the plant. Plant seeds of this basil in a light well draining soil that s amended with well composted materials.

It has edible rounded to oval leaves and white flower spikes in summer. There are several purple varieties. It can grow 18 inches tall.

How To Grow And Care For Dark Opal Basil Ocimum Basilicum Dark Opal