Dark Opal Basil, also known as Purple Ruffles Basil, is a stunning variety of basil that features deep purple leaves with a ruffled texture. This unique herb not only adds a burst of vibrant color to your garden but also brings a sweet, spicy flavor that enhances a variety of dishes. It is commonly used in culinary applications, particularly in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines, and is also known for its medicinal properties. Its striking appearance makes it a standout plant in herb gardens and ornamental spaces alike. Whether you grow it for its culinary use, medicinal value, or aesthetic appeal, Dark Opal Basil is a must-have addition to any garden.

Key Features:

• 500 High-Quality Seeds: This packet contains 500 seeds of Dark Opal Basil, allowing you to grow a plentiful supply of this beautiful and flavorful herb.
• Vibrant Purple Leaves: The plant’s dark purple foliage, with its distinct ruffled texture, adds a splash of color to your garden while providing a striking contrast against other plants.
• Fragrant and Flavorful: Dark Opal Basil has a unique, spicy flavor that pairs well with various dishes, particularly Italian cuisine, salads, and pesto. Its aroma is aromatic and invigorating, enhancing any culinary creation.
• Versatile Herb: Perfect for use in the kitchen, as a garnish, or as an ornamental plant. Dark Opal Basil can be used fresh or dried, and its leaves make a fragrant addition to teas and essential oils.
• Easy to Grow: This herb is relatively easy to grow and care for, making it a great choice for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.

Growing Information:

• Light Requirements: Dark Opal Basil thrives in full sunlight and needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow strong and produce vibrant foliage.
• Soil Preferences: Basil prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). It thrives in rich, loamy soil but can tolerate a variety of soil types as long as they are well-drained.
• Planting Tips:
  • Indoor Start: For early growth, start your basil seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Sow the seeds lightly on the surface of the soil and gently cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the temperature around 70°F (21°C) to 75°F (24°C) to encourage germination, which typically takes 7-14 days.
  • Outdoor Planting: Directly sow the seeds outdoors once the danger of frost has passed, usually after the last spring frost. Plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep and space them 6-12 inches apart to allow for optimal growth.
  • Thinning: Once seedlings have emerged and are a few inches tall, thin them to prevent overcrowding, leaving about 6-8 inches between plants.
• Watering Needs: Basil prefers consistently moist soil, but it should never be waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but ensure proper drainage. Be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.
• Temperature: Dark Opal Basil thrives in temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C–29°C). It is frost-sensitive, so it is important to plant it after all frost risks have passed.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer sparingly, as too much fertilizer can lead to excessive leaf growth with reduced flavor. Compost or organic matter works well to provide the necessary nutrients without overfeeding the plant.
• Pruning and Care: To encourage a bushier plant, pinch back the growing tips regularly, especially during early growth. This will prevent the plant from flowering prematurely and help it produce more leaves. Prune away any dead or damaged foliage as needed to maintain healthy growth.

Benefits:

• Culinary Uses: Dark Opal Basil is often used to flavor Mediterranean, Italian, and Southeast Asian dishes. Its unique purple color adds a visually stunning touch to fresh salads, pasta, and pizzas, and it’s a key ingredient in making pesto. The leaves can be used fresh or dried.
• Medicinal Uses: Basil is often used in herbal medicine for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The essential oils in the leaves can be used to promote digestion and reduce stress.
• Aromatic Qualities: The leaves of Dark Opal Basil emit a strong, fragrant aroma, making it a perfect addition to herbal teas, potpourris, and homemade essential oils.
• Ornamental Beauty: Its vibrant purple color and ruffled leaves make this basil variety a beautiful addition to any garden, as well as a stunning border or container plant.
• Pollinator Friendly: Basil flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, helping to support a healthy ecosystem in your garden.

Growing Zones:
Dark Opal Basil is suitable for USDA Zones 4-11. It grows best in warm, frost-free climates and can be grown as an annual in cooler regions or as a perennial in warmer climates.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Culinary Garden: Grow Dark Opal Basil alongside other herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano in your culinary herb garden. It pairs beautifully with other Mediterranean herbs, making it a perfect companion plant for gardeners who focus on kitchen gardens.
• Container Gardening: Dark Opal Basil does well in containers and window boxes, which makes it an ideal choice for small spaces, patios, or balconies. Be sure to use a large container with good drainage.
• Ornamental Herb Garden: This basil’s unique purple color and ruffled leaves make it a standout plant in ornamental herb gardens. It can be used as a focal point or planted in combination with other herbs and flowers to add color and texture.
• Companion Planting: Basil is a great companion plant for vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. It helps repel pests like aphids and mosquitoes, and its fragrant leaves may deter unwanted insects from garden plants.

Conclusion:
Dark Opal Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a gorgeous, flavorful herb that offers both culinary and ornamental benefits. With its ruffled purple leaves and strong aromatic flavor, it adds visual appeal and depth to any garden or dish. The 500 high-quality seeds in this packet allow you to grow an abundant supply of this versatile herb, perfect for use in cooking, herbal medicine, or simply as a striking garden plant. Easy to grow and maintain, Dark Opal Basil thrives in sunny gardens and offers a host of benefits, from attracting pollinators to adding beauty and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a new ingredient for your recipes or simply want to enhance the beauty of your garden, this unique basil variety is a wonderful choice.