Dark Opal Basil Seeds For Planting (Ocimum basilicum) by Seed Needs LLC

Fulfilled by our friends at Seed Needs LLC

Single Packet of 500 Seeds

Grow a garden filled with Dark Opal Basil herbs, from freshly harvested Ocimum basilicum herb seeds. Dark Opal Basil is an attractive, flowering herb that looks great and tastes great as well. The flowers are lilac to burgundy colored, and sit atop deep red leaves. The plants themselves form a bushy growth habit, ranging in height from 12 to 18 inches tall. The flowers will attract an array of beneficial insects to the garden, and can also be used in insectaries and butterfly gardens as well. The flowers can be snipped and added to drinks, desserts and salads to spruce things up.

Dark Opal Basil is categorized as an annual flowering herb. Annuals such as this, will grow within a single growing season, producing leaves, flowers and seeds by the end of the Autumn season. If the seeds are collected from the plants, when the blooms wither and die, you can regrow a fresh supply of Dark Opal Basil the following year. These plants are often established directly in the garden, or in pots and containers as well. You may even consider throwing them into a window box.

Quick Facts

• Type: Herb
• Season: Annual
• Heirloom: Yes
• Color: Purple
• Height: 12" - 18" Tall
• Width: 24" Spread
• Harvest: 70 Days
• Uses: Culinary
• Environment: Full sun

Sowing The Seed

Basil can be grown indoors or directly outdoors. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/8” under topsoil so that direct light can reach them. Transplant or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm & all danger of frost passes. Check below for spacing and growth habits.

Growing Conditions

Basil will enjoy an area that receives full sunlight for the majority of the day, with temperatures of at least 65F or more. The soil should be rich in organic matter, but also well drained. To improve drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas that consist of hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily with a mist setting or other light water setting to avoid overwatering and/or disturbing the seeds.

Germination & Growth

Your Basil will begin to show life within as little as 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will display a bushy, compact formation, and can reach a mature height and width of 12 to 18 inches. Space each plant roughly 6 to 12 inches apart from one another. To promote the production of additional leaves, pluck the flower heads before the blooms open up. Cut the leaves and flowers to add in many culinary dishes.