Basil Seeds - Dark Opal
Estimated delivery between February 04 and February 07.
Basil Seeds – Dark Opal
Dark Opal Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Dark Opal’) is a striking and flavorful variety of basil that stands out with its rich, deep purple leaves. Known for its vibrant color and aromatic fragrance, Dark Opal Basil is a favorite among gardeners who appreciate both visual appeal and culinary versatility. Whether grown in the garden or in containers, this heirloom basil adds a beautiful contrast to herb gardens, making it as decorative as it is useful.
Key Features of Dark Opal Basil Seeds
Distinctive Purple Foliage
Dark Opal Basil is renowned for its striking dark purple leaves, which turn almost black in some varieties. This vibrant color adds a stunning visual element to any garden or indoor herb collection. The contrast of the purple leaves against green plants or flowers is visually captivating, making this basil an ornamental as well as a culinary choice.
Aromatic and Flavorful
While the leaves of Dark Opal Basil are visually appealing, they also pack a punch in flavor. With a mildly spicy, slightly clove-like taste, this basil is perfect for fresh salads, pesto, sauces, and garnishes. Its flavor is more intense than common green basil, offering a unique twist on traditional basil recipes.
Compact, Bushy Growth Habit
Dark Opal Basil is a compact plant, typically growing between 12-18 inches tall, with a bushy and dense growth habit. This makes it an excellent choice for container gardening or small garden spaces. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be harvested regularly to encourage new growth.
Attractive Edible Flowers
In addition to its beautiful foliage, Dark Opal Basil produces small white or purple flowers that are edible and attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. The flowers not only enhance the visual appeal of the plant but can also be used in salads, garnishes, or as a garnish in drinks.
Benefits of Dark Opal Basil Seeds
Ideal for Culinary Use
Dark Opal Basil’s vibrant color and distinct flavor make it an excellent choice for a variety of dishes. Use it to flavor soups, pasta dishes, marinades, and sauces. It’s also perfect for garnishing dishes, adding both color and a punch of basil flavor.
Easy to Grow
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, Dark Opal Basil is easy to grow. It thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil and requires minimal maintenance. Regular harvesting encourages new growth, making this basil a productive plant that keeps on giving.
Versatile in Garden and Containers
Dark Opal Basil is versatile and can be grown both in the ground and in containers, making it ideal for small gardens, patios, or windowsills. Its compact size allows it to fit in almost any growing space, while its colorful foliage provides a dramatic accent.
Non-Toxic to Pets
Basil, including Dark Opal Basil, is non-toxic to pets, making it a safe addition to homes with curious cats, dogs, or other pets. You can enjoy the beauty and flavor of this herb without worrying about your furry friends.
How to Plant and Care for Dark Opal Basil Seeds
Starting Seeds
Begin by sowing Dark Opal Basil seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, or directly outdoors once the soil has warmed up in the spring. Sow the seeds in well-draining, seed-starting mix, lightly pressing them into the surface of the soil (as basil seeds need light to germinate). Keep the soil consistently moist, and place the container in a warm spot with plenty of indirect sunlight. Germination typically takes 7-14 days.
Transplanting Seedlings
Once seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves and the weather is warm enough, transplant them into the garden or larger containers. Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for their bushy growth. If growing in containers, choose a pot with good drainage to prevent root rot.
Watering
Basil prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. Water the plant regularly, ensuring that the soil is well-drained. Avoid watering overhead, as this can encourage fungal diseases. Make sure to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry.
Lighting
Dark Opal Basil thrives in full sun. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow strong and produce abundant leaves. If growing indoors, place it near a south or west-facing window, or provide supplemental grow lights.
Temperature
Basil is a warm-weather herb and thrives in temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C). Protect your plants from frost, as basil is sensitive to cold temperatures. If growing outdoors, wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting. Indoors, keep the temperature consistent and avoid placing the plant near cold drafts.
Fertilizing
Basil benefits from occasional feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Apply a liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to encourage healthy growth. Be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can reduce the flavor of the leaves and cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of flavor.
Harvesting and Propagating Dark Opal Basil
Harvesting
You can begin harvesting Dark Opal Basil leaves once the plant is about 6 inches tall. Pinch off the leaves or cut entire stems, being sure to leave a few sets of leaves on the plant to encourage new growth. Regular harvesting promotes bushier growth and ensures the plant stays productive throughout the season. Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Propagation by Cuttings
Dark Opal Basil can be easily propagated through cuttings. Snip a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in a glass of water. After a few weeks, roots will develop, and you can transplant the cutting into soil.
Seed Saving
If you want to save seeds for future planting, allow the basil to flower and produce seeds. Once the flowers have dried and the seeds have turned brown, collect them and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant.
Perfect For:
- Herb Gardens: Adds a colorful, aromatic touch to herb gardens.
- Containers: Ideal for growing on patios, balconies, or windowsills in pots.
- Culinary Use: Perfect for cooks who enjoy using fresh basil in their recipes.
- Pollinator Gardens: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it great for pollinator-friendly gardens.
Why Choose Dark Opal Basil Seeds?
Dark Opal Basil Seeds allow you to grow a unique and flavorful basil variety that’s perfect for both decorative and culinary purposes. With its vibrant purple foliage, aromatic fragrance, and slightly spicy, clove-like flavor, Dark Opal Basil is a versatile and easy-to-grow herb that adds color and flavor to any garden or kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced gardener, this basil is sure to be a favorite in your herb garden.
Dharaseeds
Basil Seeds - Dark Opal
Estimated delivery between February 04 and February 07.
Basil Seeds – Dark Opal
Dark Opal Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Dark Opal’) is a striking and flavorful variety of basil that stands out with its rich, deep purple leaves. Known for its vibrant color and aromatic fragrance, Dark Opal Basil is a favorite among gardeners who appreciate both visual appeal and culinary versatility. Whether grown in the garden or in containers, this heirloom basil adds a beautiful contrast to herb gardens, making it as decorative as it is useful.
Key Features of Dark Opal Basil Seeds
Distinctive Purple Foliage
Dark Opal Basil is renowned for its striking dark purple leaves, which turn almost black in some varieties. This vibrant color adds a stunning visual element to any garden or indoor herb collection. The contrast of the purple leaves against green plants or flowers is visually captivating, making this basil an ornamental as well as a culinary choice.
Aromatic and Flavorful
While the leaves of Dark Opal Basil are visually appealing, they also pack a punch in flavor. With a mildly spicy, slightly clove-like taste, this basil is perfect for fresh salads, pesto, sauces, and garnishes. Its flavor is more intense than common green basil, offering a unique twist on traditional basil recipes.
Compact, Bushy Growth Habit
Dark Opal Basil is a compact plant, typically growing between 12-18 inches tall, with a bushy and dense growth habit. This makes it an excellent choice for container gardening or small garden spaces. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be harvested regularly to encourage new growth.
Attractive Edible Flowers
In addition to its beautiful foliage, Dark Opal Basil produces small white or purple flowers that are edible and attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. The flowers not only enhance the visual appeal of the plant but can also be used in salads, garnishes, or as a garnish in drinks.
Benefits of Dark Opal Basil Seeds
Ideal for Culinary Use
Dark Opal Basil’s vibrant color and distinct flavor make it an excellent choice for a variety of dishes. Use it to flavor soups, pasta dishes, marinades, and sauces. It’s also perfect for garnishing dishes, adding both color and a punch of basil flavor.
Easy to Grow
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, Dark Opal Basil is easy to grow. It thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil and requires minimal maintenance. Regular harvesting encourages new growth, making this basil a productive plant that keeps on giving.
Versatile in Garden and Containers
Dark Opal Basil is versatile and can be grown both in the ground and in containers, making it ideal for small gardens, patios, or windowsills. Its compact size allows it to fit in almost any growing space, while its colorful foliage provides a dramatic accent.
Non-Toxic to Pets
Basil, including Dark Opal Basil, is non-toxic to pets, making it a safe addition to homes with curious cats, dogs, or other pets. You can enjoy the beauty and flavor of this herb without worrying about your furry friends.
How to Plant and Care for Dark Opal Basil Seeds
Starting Seeds
Begin by sowing Dark Opal Basil seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, or directly outdoors once the soil has warmed up in the spring. Sow the seeds in well-draining, seed-starting mix, lightly pressing them into the surface of the soil (as basil seeds need light to germinate). Keep the soil consistently moist, and place the container in a warm spot with plenty of indirect sunlight. Germination typically takes 7-14 days.
Transplanting Seedlings
Once seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves and the weather is warm enough, transplant them into the garden or larger containers. Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for their bushy growth. If growing in containers, choose a pot with good drainage to prevent root rot.
Watering
Basil prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. Water the plant regularly, ensuring that the soil is well-drained. Avoid watering overhead, as this can encourage fungal diseases. Make sure to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry.
Lighting
Dark Opal Basil thrives in full sun. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow strong and produce abundant leaves. If growing indoors, place it near a south or west-facing window, or provide supplemental grow lights.
Temperature
Basil is a warm-weather herb and thrives in temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C). Protect your plants from frost, as basil is sensitive to cold temperatures. If growing outdoors, wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting. Indoors, keep the temperature consistent and avoid placing the plant near cold drafts.
Fertilizing
Basil benefits from occasional feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Apply a liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to encourage healthy growth. Be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can reduce the flavor of the leaves and cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of flavor.
Harvesting and Propagating Dark Opal Basil
Harvesting
You can begin harvesting Dark Opal Basil leaves once the plant is about 6 inches tall. Pinch off the leaves or cut entire stems, being sure to leave a few sets of leaves on the plant to encourage new growth. Regular harvesting promotes bushier growth and ensures the plant stays productive throughout the season. Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Propagation by Cuttings
Dark Opal Basil can be easily propagated through cuttings. Snip a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in a glass of water. After a few weeks, roots will develop, and you can transplant the cutting into soil.
Seed Saving
If you want to save seeds for future planting, allow the basil to flower and produce seeds. Once the flowers have dried and the seeds have turned brown, collect them and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant.
Perfect For:
- Herb Gardens: Adds a colorful, aromatic touch to herb gardens.
- Containers: Ideal for growing on patios, balconies, or windowsills in pots.
- Culinary Use: Perfect for cooks who enjoy using fresh basil in their recipes.
- Pollinator Gardens: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it great for pollinator-friendly gardens.
Why Choose Dark Opal Basil Seeds?
Dark Opal Basil Seeds allow you to grow a unique and flavorful basil variety that’s perfect for both decorative and culinary purposes. With its vibrant purple foliage, aromatic fragrance, and slightly spicy, clove-like flavor, Dark Opal Basil is a versatile and easy-to-grow herb that adds color and flavor to any garden or kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced gardener, this basil is sure to be a favorite in your herb garden.
Non-GMO
Dharaseeds are Non-GMO and free from genetically modified organisms.
High Germination Rate
Tested for high viability to ensure successful sprouting.
Heirloom Variety
Open-pollinated seeds preserved for quality and authenticity.
Chemical-Free
Free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and additives.