Dark Opal Basil Info There are scores of basil varieties, many are a traditional green color, but some are an eye-catching purple. Purple basils are unusual and attractive growing in containers in both indoor and outdoor herb gardens.
Is purple basil real?
Purple Basil is a cultivar of Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil). The dark purple leaves are used in pesto or as a garnish. This attractive basil variety has won multiple awards for its beauty, flavor and ease of cultivation.
Where is purple basil found?
Purple basil: origin and characteristics
Like its relative, the green-leaved basil, purple basil originates from the tropics of Africa, America and Asia, where it has been cultivated and used in cooking for centuries.
What is purple basil called?
Thai Basil
The leaves are smaller and pointier, and the plant produces beautiful purple flowers. This type of basil holds up well to high-temperature cooking, so don’t be afraid to add it to your favorite stir-fry recipe.
Why is my purple basil not purple?
First, it may just be a genetic issue. According to a study from Purdue University, the gene that causes the purple coloring is unstable. Two, you may have accidentally chosen a variety that has both green and purple leaves. Use this chart from the University of Hawaii to find the varieties with only purple leaves.
Should basil be purple?
There are scores of basil varieties, many are a traditional green color, but some are an eye-catching purple. Purple basils are unusual and attractive growing in containers in both indoor and outdoor herb gardens.
How long does purple basil last?
There are a few varieties of purple basil, but all are cultivars of the same basil plant, which is a true annual. Therefore purple basil grows from seed and die again all in one season, and do not return year after year.
Is purple basil hard to grow?
Like other types of basil, purple basil is relatively low maintenance. Whether you’re growing your basil in the ground or in containers, wait to set your purple basil outdoors until after the last frost date in your region has passed and outdoor evening temperatures remain above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is purple basil the same as Thai basil?
At a glance, the most distinguishable difference is the color of the stems: Thai basil has a purple stem and sweet basil has a green stem.
How do you keep purple basil alive?
Water regularly
Basil likes to stay moist and requires approximately 1 inch of water every week. Water deeply at least once a week to keep roots growing deep and the soil moist. Basil growing in containers will need more frequent watering. Your goal when growing basil in a container is to keep the soil from drying out.
Can you eat amethyst basil?
Amethyst basil is a great culinary companion and substitute for sweeter varieties of Basil, ‘Amethyst’ makes a great seasoning for pastas, pizzas, and sauces as well as eaten raw with olive oil, mozzarella cheese and tomatoes. Try using its beautiful deep purple leaves for garnishes, too!
Is purple basil invasive?
This plant is easy to grow and reseeds well. It makes for good contrast of color among other plants. Can be considered invasive under good conditions but easy to control.
What is the difference between purple and green basil?
The main difference between basils with purple leaves and those with green leaves is a higher concentration of the purple pigment anthocyanin in their leaves than in the green basils. Anthocyanin is a natural pigment that is responsible for the colors purple, red and blue in several plants.
Does basil turn purple when boiled?
Holy basil is best cooked (it can be bitter when raw), but purple basil is best raw as that pretty purple color turns black when cooked.
What can I do with a lot of purple basil?
Use the Purple Basil Pesto to make pasta or spread on some nice bread for a sandwich, or in wraps or even in quesadillas. Or mix with a soft goat cheese and sprinkle on salads.
Is purple basil toxic to dogs?
1. Purple Basil. Not only is it pretty to look at, this plant is completely harmless to your dog. In fact, this plant has many health benefits.
Will purple basil survive winter?
Generally, its growth cycle doesn’t include overwintering; rather it dies down and the hard seeds wait in the ground over winter and then germinate during the spring thaw. When temperatures dip, basil suffers cold damage almost immediately in the form of blackened leaves. Therefore, basil and cold weather do not gibe.
Can a basil plant live forever?
The basil plant’s lifespan differs depending on how you take care of it. If it is grown inside where there is less threat from cold winters, it may survive for six months. However, if grown in the ground, basil lives for about four to five months in warm, sunny conditions.
What is black basil?
When basil has been exposed to cold and frost, the black spots which appear are signs of necrosis, which are irreversible and will continue spread onto the remaining healthy leaves if left on the plant. Prune away dead or dying leaves, snipping gently close to the stem.
Is black basil edible?
I would not recommend consuming basil that has turned brown/black, especially if it is “slimy” to the touch. Even though a few brown spots are probably safe, it will be bitter and, well, slimy. Throw it away – and consider using some of the storage methods discussed in the link above.
How long does purple basil take to grow?
Basil needs to grow in full, direct sunlight in rich, well-draining soil. You can direct sow basil seeds in the garden, although they will take 6-8 weeks before they are ready to harvest.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.