Basil requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6 to 7 and ample sunlight of at least 6 to 8 hours a day for optimal growth. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Basil prefers warm temperatures and is susceptible to frost damage. Additionally, it is recommended to prune basil frequently to promote bushier growth and prevent it from bolting.

After danger of frost has passed, sow seeds 1" apart, 1/4" deep in rows 18-24" apart. Under ideal conditions, germination will occur in 5-10 days. After germination, thin to one plant every 4-8". Can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.

Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the basil plant and carefully remove the plant from its current container, taking care not to damage the roots. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist and avoid overwatering, which can cause the roots to rot.

Pests & Other Problems

Insect PestsDiseases & Other Problems

To harvest basil, use sharp scissors to cut off individual leaves or entire stems, leaving a few sets of leaves on the plant to encourage new growth. Harvest basil in the morning when the plant's oils are most concentrated. To store fresh basil, wrap the stems in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to a week. Alternatively, basil leaves can be frozen or dried for longer-term storage.

CONSIDERATIONS:Basil is an inbreeding plant, however the flowers require insects for pollination and they are a favorite of honey bees and other types of bees. It is therefore necessary to isolate different varieties of basil by at least 150 feet to ensure varietal purity. Alternatively, two different varieties may be caged with netting, with one variety being exposed each alternating day to allow for pollination to occur.HARVESTING SEED:Basil racemes mature progressively from the bottom of the plant upwards. Once the pods on the bottom portion of the racemes have turned brown, cut the stem and allow the entire plant to dry in a well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight. Release the seeds by rubbing the dried racemes against a fine mesh. Strain and winnow the seeds and store in an airtight container.SEED LONGETIVITY:Basil seeds can remain viable for up to five years, although their germination rates may decline over time. The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to preserve their viability.

Dark Opal Basil

$ 3.69

Quick Facts:

Fragrant, dark purple leaves
Makes a delicious, colorful pesto
Easy-to-grow; Slow to bolt
Lavender flowers loved by honeybees
60 days to maturity

View full description

Quantity: Packet (250 Seeds)

Packet (250 Seeds)

shipping estimated time of arrival Get it between Monday March 17th - Thursday March 20th

: We ship to all areas of North America including the United States, its territories and outlying islands, and Canada. International orders may incur an additional charge to cover the handling of customs paperwork. Returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt. Full warranty information can be found here.

GROWS WELL WITH:

Quick View

Opalka Tomato (Paste) $ 3.69

Quick View

Italian Heirloom Tomato (Slicing) $ 3.69

Quick View

Paul Robeson Tomato (Slicing) $ 3.69

Japanese Trifele Black Heirloom Plum/Paste Tomato

Quick View

Japanese Trifele Black Tomato (Paste) $ 3.79

Quick View

Grushovka Siberian Tomato (Paste) $ 3.79

Hensley Settlement Heirloom Yellow Tomato

Quick View

Hensley Settlement Tomato (Slicing) $ 3.79

non-gmo

Open-pollinated varieties, perfect for seed saving.

chemical-free

Safe seeds, free of neonics and other treatments.

100% Satisfaction

It's simple. If you have a problem, we make it right.

More about Dark Opal

Ocimum basilicum

Dark Opal basil is a stunning heirloom variety that produces dark purple leaves with an amazingly sweet, slightly spicy flavor. We like to blend them with olive oil, parmesan, garlic, and toasted pine nuts to make a unique, lavender colored pesto that turns green once added to hot pasta. Plants recover well after being cut and are slow to bolt. Lavender flowers are a favorite of honeybees and look beautiful when set against the bees' golden bodies. Basil is known to repel flies and mosquitoes and makes an excellent companion plant for lettuce and tomatoes. 60 days to maturity. Each packet contains a minimum of 250 seeds.

Ocimum basilicum

read less

Ocimum basilicum

Similar items to consider

Quick View

Genovese Basil $ 3.69

Quick View

Lemon Basil $ 3.69

Quick View

Cinnamon Basil $ 3.69

Quick View

Sweet Mammoth Basil $ 3.69

Quick View

Spicy Globe Basil $ 3.69

Quick View

Fino Verde Basil $ 3.69

Hands in the Dirt

Sweat on your brow, hands in the dirt, and a smile on your face. You aren't afraid of a little hard work, and we're here to ensure that your efforts are rewarded. You can rest assured that our top-quality seeds from dependable, time-tested varieties will have you reaping more than just satisfaction from your hard day's work.

How to Grow Basil

: Basil requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6 to 7 and ample sunlight of at least 6 to 8 hours a day for optimal growth. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Basil prefers warm temperatures and is susceptible to frost damage. Additionally, it is recommended to prune basil frequently to promote bushier growth and prevent it from bolting.
: After danger of frost has passed, sow seeds 1" apart, 1/4" deep in rows 18-24" apart. Under ideal conditions, germination will occur in 5-10 days. After germination, thin to one plant every 4-8". Can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.
: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the basil plant and carefully remove the plant from its current container, taking care not to damage the roots. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist and avoid overwatering, which can cause the roots to rot.
: Insect Pests
Diseases & Other Problems
: To harvest basil, use sharp scissors to cut off individual leaves or entire stems, leaving a few sets of leaves on the plant to encourage new growth. Harvest basil in the morning when the plant's oils are most concentrated. To store fresh basil, wrap the stems in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to a week. Alternatively, basil leaves can be frozen or dried for longer-term storage.
: CONSIDERATIONS:
Basil is an inbreeding plant, however the flowers require insects for pollination and they are a favorite of honey bees and other types of bees. It is therefore necessary to isolate different varieties of basil by at least 150 feet to ensure varietal purity. Alternatively, two different varieties may be caged with netting, with one variety being exposed each alternating day to allow for pollination to occur.
HARVESTING SEED:
Basil racemes mature progressively from the bottom of the plant upwards. Once the pods on the bottom portion of the racemes have turned brown, cut the stem and allow the entire plant to dry in a well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight. Release the seeds by rubbing the dried racemes against a fine mesh. Strain and winnow the seeds and store in an airtight container.
SEED LONGETIVITY:
Basil seeds can remain viable for up to five years, although their germination rates may decline over time. The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to preserve their viability.

Country

Dark Opal Basil

Quick Facts: