Overview

Discover the rich, aromatic world of dark opal basil seeds, a unique and highly prized variety for any herb garden. This annual herb, scientifically known as Ocimum basilicum ‘Dark Opal’, is renowned for its striking deep purple foliage and vibrant pink flowers. Unlike its green counterparts, Dark Opal Basil offers a more intense fragrance and a distinct sweet yet spicy flavor profile that elevates a wide range of culinary creations. An AAS Winner from 1962, this variety is not only a delight for the palate but also a beautiful addition to garden beds and containers, providing a stunning contrast to green plants. Growing basil from seed is a rewarding experience, and these NON-GMO seeds ensure you start with the highest quality. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just beginning, cultivating dark opal basil seeds will bring both beauty and gourmet flavor to your home.

Our premium dark opal basil seeds are carefully selected to ensure high germination rates and robust plant growth. This particular basil variety is celebrated for its ornamental value as much as its culinary versatility. The deep purple leaves are perfect for adding color to salads, pestos, vinegars, and garnishes, while their potent aroma can fill your garden or kitchen. Experience the joy of harvesting your own fresh, fragrant basil, knowing it’s grown from quality, NON-GMO seeds. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to successfully grow this exceptional herb, from planting to harvesting, ensuring a bountiful supply of this exquisite purple basil seeds.

Key Benefits

Growing dark opal basil seeds offers a multitude of benefits, combining aesthetic appeal with robust culinary uses. This variety stands out for its unique characteristics that enhance both your garden and your kitchen.

• Stunning Visual Appeal: The deep purple foliage and contrasting pink flowers make Dark Opal Basil an excellent ornamental plant, adding a splash of color to herb gardens, borders, and container arrangements. It’s a beautiful way to introduce visual interest.
• Intensely Fragrant: Known for being much more fragrant than common green basil varieties, Dark Opal Basil fills the air with its delightful, sweet, and spicy aroma, creating a pleasant sensory experience in your garden.
• Exceptional Culinary Flavor: Enjoy the distinct sweet yet spicy flavor profile that makes this basil perfect for a wide array of dishes, including pestos, salads, sauces, and garnishes. It adds a gourmet touch to any meal.
• NON-GMO Assurance: Our dark opal basil seeds are guaranteed NON-GMO, providing you with peace of mind that you are growing natural and wholesome herbs for your family.
• High Germination Rate: With a reported germination rate of 88%, these seeds offer a reliable start to your basil growing journey, ensuring a successful and productive harvest.
• Versatile & Easy to Grow: Suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners, basil is relatively easy to cultivate, making these purple basil seeds a great choice for anyone looking to start an herb garden.
• Award-Winning Heritage: As a 1962 AAS (All-America Selections) Winner, Dark Opal Basil has a proven track record of excellence in performance and quality, assuring you of a superior variety.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

To successfully cultivate dark opal basil seeds, understanding its specific growing requirements is key. Basil thrives in warm conditions and requires ample sunlight to produce its vibrant color and rich flavor. Plant your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, or directly sow them outdoors once all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15°C). Ensure the planting site receives at least 6-8 hours of full sun daily. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and less intense purple coloration. When germinating organic basil seeds, maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days.

For optimal growth, plant Dark Opal Basil in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend heavy clay soils with compost to improve drainage and nutrient content. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Basil is sensitive to cold, so protect plants from temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Pinch back the central stem once the plant has developed 3-4 sets of true leaves to encourage bushier growth and prevent premature flowering. Regularly harvesting the leaves also promotes more vigorous growth. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks, or if you notice nutrient deficiencies. Watch out for common pests like aphids and slugs; address them promptly with organic solutions to maintain healthy plants. Knowing how to grow basil successfully involves consistent care and attention to its environmental needs.

Maturity for Dark Opal Basil is typically reached in about 70 days from seeding. Continuous harvesting of the outer leaves encourages the plant to produce more foliage. If flowers begin to form, pinch them off immediately to redirect the plant’s energy into leaf production, which is crucial for maximizing flavor and yield. Allowing the plant to flower can signal the end of its life cycle and cause the leaves to become less flavorful. These purple basil seeds are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle within one growing season. For a continuous supply, consider succession planting every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. This ensures you always have fresh basil on hand for your culinary adventures. Properly caring for your fragrant basil plants will yield a bountiful harvest.

Size & Details

Our dark opal basil seeds are provided in variety packet sizes, offering flexibility for gardeners of all scales. These seeds are designed to grow into robust annual plants that typically reach a height of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) and spread about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide, creating a bushy and attractive presence in your garden. The plant produces distinctive deep purple leaves, about 2-3 inches long, topped with delicate pinkish-purple flowers when allowed to bloom. Each packet contains high-quality, NON-GMO seeds, ensuring a strong start for your plants.

From germination, which takes 7-14 days, to maturity, the plant requires approximately 70 days before you can begin harvesting. This relatively quick turnaround makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for fast results. The seeds are fresh, with a collected date of 9/25 and a tested germination rate of 88%, indicating excellent viability. These dark opal basil seeds are shipped in protective packaging to ensure their integrity upon arrival, ready for planting. Whether you’re planting a small herb patch or a larger culinary garden, these seeds will provide you with a generous supply of intensely flavored and visually appealing purple basil seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does Dark Opal Basil get? A: Dark Opal Basil plants typically grow to a height of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) and can spread about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide, forming a bushy and attractive plant.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: While Dark Opal Basil thrives outdoors in warm, sunny conditions, it can also be grown indoors in a sunny window or under grow lights, especially if you’re planting dark opal basil seeds in cooler climates.
• Q: How much sunlight does Dark Opal Basil need? A: This basil variety requires at least 6-8 hours of full sunlight per day to achieve its best growth, vibrant purple color, and intense flavor.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, basil is generally considered an easy-to-grow herb, making these purple basil seeds suitable for beginners. Consistent watering and adequate sunlight are the main requirements.
• Q: What condition will the seeds arrive in? A: The dark opal basil seeds are shipped in a protected packet, ensuring they arrive in optimal condition for planting, ready for you to start your garden.
• Q: How long until I can harvest the basil? A: Dark Opal Basil typically reaches maturity in about 70 days from seeding, allowing you to begin harvesting fresh leaves within approximately 2.5 months.
• Q: When is the best time to plant Dark Opal Basil seeds? A: For outdoor planting, sow seeds after the last frost risk has passed. For an earlier start, begin seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost.
• Q: What kind of soil does Dark Opal Basil prefer? A: Dark Opal Basil thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Amending the soil with compost can greatly improve its quality.
• Q: Can I grow this basil in a container? A: Absolutely! Dark Opal Basil is an excellent choice for container gardening due to its compact size and beautiful foliage, making it easy to grow on patios or balconies.
• Q: Is this basil variety good for making pesto? A: Yes, Dark Opal Basil’s intense sweet and spicy flavor makes it an excellent choice for pestos, adding a unique depth and beautiful purple hue to your culinary creations. Enjoy your fragrant basil in all your dishes!