Fragrant, sweet and spicy with striking dark purple color. Its dark leaves, intense and sweet spicy flavour make a great addition to any salad, or to flavour dishes. It is not the easiest basil to grow however it is worth the effort.
Scientific Name: ocimum basilicum
Plant Life Cycle: annual
Optimal Germination Temperature: 20-28C
Germination time in days: 7-14 days
Indicative Days to maturity: 30-50 days
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil requirement: Well drained, aerated, fertile soil
Sowing and cultivation: Start seeds indoors from late April to mid-summer. Sow a few seeds over the top of regular compost, water gently, lightly cover and pop it into a propagator. When the seeds have germinated, place in a warm, bright spot, such as a sunny windowsill, and water regularly to keep the compost moist. When the seedlings are large enough to handle and have their first true leaves, transplant into their own 7.5cm pot filled with multi-purpose compost. Shelter from the wind. Will grow better in a greenhouse. Space plants by 30 cm apart
