All in-stock items are still available for delivery! Free Delivery on all orders over £35 (UK Mainland)
Some Herbs may be too tall for our standard packaging and will be trimmed to fit. This will not be detrimental to the plant but will mean that these herbs will flower later in the year.
The Blister packs used to protect our beautiful herbs during transit are made from 100% recycled plastic and can be recycled kerbside.
Less well known than traditional Sweet Basil, this herb, Ocimum basilicum purpurascens, has intense purple leaves with a strongly individual aroma - a twist on the original. Still a tender annual that prefers to be kept indoors. Basil is considered an annual in Britain, but can have its life extended if it is brought indoors when the weather cools. An upright plant with striking foliage, Purple Basil produces extremely attractive and aromatic leaves.As a culinary herb, Basil needs to be cut to ensure continued leaf production, as if left to its own devices, will become woody and produce small white flowers and eventually run to seed pick plants over regularly and remove any developing flower-heads immediately to prevent bolting and to encourage lots of fresh young leaves.
Ideally grown in pots or containers.
Sow in pots or module trays to minimise root disturbance.Cover seed with vermiculite.Maintain min 15'C. Germination 14-21 days. Water early in the day. Sow from February to June, or sow throughout the year inside out of season.
This Basil can be used as any other Basil but has the advantage of its contrasting colour to add visual interest as a traditional pesto, or as either as a garnish or to add freshness to pasta, salads and chicken dishes. Originating in warm tropical regions, Basil has become synonymous with the Mediterranean, where the hot sunny climate allows it to thrive. It does not do well outdoors in cool Summers and is best kept in a pot where it can be moved inside if needs be.
Our Purple Basil herb seeds are generally available to buy online between May and September.
| Ocimum basilicum purpurescens (Purple Basil) Herb SEEDS | |
|---|---|
| Aspect/Site | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Very well drained soil |
| Flower Colour | Cream |
| Height | 30cm |
| Spread | 30cm |
| Latin Name | Ocimum basilicum purpurescens |
| Hardiness | RHS rating H1c - Heated Greenhouse |
| Culinary | Mediterranean |
| Scented | Foliage |
| Medicinal/Cosmetic | Teas and Tissanes |
| Flowering/Harvest/Interest | Summer |
| Special Features | None |
| Type of Garden | Container/Patio |
Ordered Purple Basil seeds, very mean quantity of seeds?! I had just enough to fill a small pot. That is not going to give me much to use! I was planning on sowing at least 4 pots and giving away to friends! Suttons would have given me loads for next season too. Disappointing... The quality of the seeds is good, in my propagator they came up within 2 days.
