With its vibrant foliage, purple basil is a unique addition to any herb garden.
What Is Purple Basil?
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Purple variations ofOcimum basilicumrange in color from light red to deep purple.
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Be prepared to see some variation in the plants, even in those from the same seed packet.
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Since purple basil comes in different heights, double-check to give your plants sufficient space.
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Crowded conditions lead to insect and disease issues such asaphidsandpowdery mildew.
If you start purple basil from seed, you will need to thin out the seedlings.
The seed package will specify the proper spacing for the variety.
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Light
Purple basil needs six to eight hours offull sunevery day.
Soil
The soil for purple basil should be moist, rich, and well-draining.
If the soil is lacking these qualities, amend it with compost before planting.
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Organic matter not only adds nutrients but also helps to retain soil moisture.
Water slowly but deeply in the absence of rain whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
Use mulch around the plant base to keep moisture in.
Temperature and Humidity
Like green basil, purple basil needs heat to thrive.
Don’t plant it until the daytime temperatures remain in the 70s and nighttime temperatures are above 50F.
Basil is very sensitive to cold, which blackens its leaves.
Use an organic slow-release vegetable fertilizer and scatter the granules around the plant base, avoiding the stem.
Harvesting
you could startharvesting basil leavesas soon as the plants reach 6 to 8 inches in height.
Pick the leaves regularly to keep the foliage growing.
Always start harvesting basil leaves from the top of the plant and not the bottom.
The flowers of purple basil are edible too.
In addition to using them as a garnish, they also make a gorgeous magenta-colored vinegar.
Its taste is similar to sweet green or Genovese basil.
Yes, it needs full sun for the leaves to emerge as a purple color.
In low light conditions, the plant produces fewer anthocyanins so the basil will be more green than purple.
