Seeds of red basil popular for its exotic dark purple leaves

• Flowering (includes flowers and flowering period): The flowers are white to light pink. They bloom in August and September.

• Height: Up to 70 cm.

• Sunlight requirements: Sunny spots or light shade.

• Soil type: Fertile and well drained.

• Cold hardiness: It is not cold-resistant.

• Longevity: An annual plant.

• Recommended place: Outdoors or indoors.

• Optimal time for sowing: Indoors in February and March for seedlings. Outdoors in April and May.

• Sowing depth: Up to 1 cm.

• Cultivation scheme: 40 cm between the plants.

• Period of germination: 1 - 2 weeks.

• Need of watering: Regular and moderate watering.

• Recommended fertilizers: Fertilize with a fertilizer for herbs.

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Online Catalog Semenata.ORG has added the seeds of red basil Dark Opal to its catalog of herbs. This variety has dark red to purple leaves, saturated with a pleasant specific fragrance.

Dark Opal is grown as an annual crop. It is a type of herbaceous plant. The stem of the spice has a four-edged shape. The petals look like the shape of an egg, they are elongated, ending with a sharp tip. The petals are dark red to deep purple. Dark Opal is red basil, growing up to 70 centimeters, slightly taller than the green varieties.

The flowers of the aromatic spice are tiny, white to light pink, blooming in August and September. This is the flowering period of the red basil. As the flowers are small, they are not chosen for decoration. They are beautiful and they will soon find their place in decorating. 

Choose a sunny and warm place to sow the premium seeds of red basil . This variety tolerates light shade.

The soil for sowing the seeds of the Dark Opal basil should be fertile and deep, not retaining moisture. It should have good drainage. You can easily sow the seeds of the red variety in the same place where you sow the green basil. The well drained and fertile soils are suitable for it.

Red basil is grown as an annual crop. It is not cold-resistant and can’t survive our winters. You can cultivate the spice at home, in a suitable place in the winter.

The plant thrives in boxes on the terrace or balcony. Or you can sow the seeds of the red basil outdoors with prepared seedlings in advance.

Sow the seeds in a greenhouse in February and March in boxes and different flower containers.

Transplant the seedlings in the yards and gardens in April and May when the temperatures are positive, there is no danger of frost and the seedlings will not freeze.

The good news for spice lovers is that you can sow the seeds all year round indoors.

Do not sow the premium seeds of Red Basil deep, put them only one centimeter in the soil. Wait one to two weeks for the plants to appear above the soil. During this time, do not let the soil dry out. Water regularly and moderately. Overwatering, as well as drying, will damage the young sprouts.

Fertilize with appropriate fertilizers for herbs and spices.

Red basil, also known as purple basil, is a type of basil plant with dark red to purple leaves. It is a variety of sweet basil, which is the most commonly used type of basil in cooking. Red basil has a similar flavor profile to sweet basil, with notes of clove, anise, and mint. It is often used as a garnish in salads, soups, and other dishes to add a pop of color and flavor. Red basil can also be used in pesto, sauces, and marinades, but its color may turn brown when exposed to heat. 
To grow red basil, follow these simple steps:

Choose a sunny location: Red basil needs plenty of sunlight to grow. Choose a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Prepare the soil: Red basil prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Add compost or aged manure to the soil to improve its fertility and texture.

Plant the seeds: Sow the seeds directly into the soil, or start them indoors in seed trays and transplant them once they have grown to a few inches tall. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 6-8 inches apart.

Water regularly: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

Fertilize: Red basil can benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, or apply a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season.

Harvest: Once the plants are about 6-8 inches tall, you can begin harvesting the leaves. Pick the leaves as needed, but be careful not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. Regular harvesting will encourage the plants to produce more leaves.

Pruning: Pinch off the tips of the stems when the plants are about 6-8 inches tall to encourage bushier growth. You can also harvest the leaves as needed for culinary use.
Red basil can be used in a variety of ways in cooking. Here are some ideas on how to eat red basil:

Use as a garnish: Red basil makes a beautiful garnish for salads, soups, and other dishes. Simply sprinkle a few leaves on top of your dish before serving.

Make pesto: Use red basil instead of traditional sweet basil to make a colorful and flavorful pesto. Combine red basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor and blend until smooth.

Add to sandwiches or wraps: Red basil can add a fresh and flavorful touch to sandwiches and wraps. Add a few leaves to your favorite sandwich or wrap for extra flavor.

Make infused oils or vinegars: Infuse olive oil or vinegar with red basil leaves for a delicious and aromatic condiment. Simply add a handful of red basil leaves to a jar of oil or vinegar and let it sit for a few days before using.

Use in stir-fries or pasta dishes: Add red basil to stir-fries or pasta dishes for a burst of color and flavor. Simply chop the leaves and add them to your dish during the last few minutes of cooking.

See more basil seeds online