Name: Basil, Opal

Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum, Purpurascens (Dark Opal)

Zone: N/A (annual)

Bloom Time: Summer

Soil: well-drained soil

Exposure: Full Sun

Description: Also known as purple-leaf basil, is a variety of the more usual green basil. This variety has dark, purply-red leaves, stems and flowers and is often grown as a decorative garden plant. Like other varieties of basil, opal basil thrives in warm, sunny climates and can be damaged by frost. Opal basil has the same distinctive clove like smell as green basil and grows into a small, bushy plant ideal for container growing.

Care: Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushier plants and to delay flowering. Water regularly to keep growth succulent. Encourage the plant to grow into a bushy shape by pinching out the growing tips.