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Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal'

Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal'

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BasilAnnual, HerbFamily: Lamiaceae

Height: 50cmSpread: 30cm
Tender

Flower colour:

Pink

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Soil

Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Basil is a popular, half-hardy to tender herb used in a variety of summer dishes, and works particularly well when eaten with tomatoes. It may also be grown with tomatoes, used as a companion plant to deter whitefly.

Native to dry scrub in Africa and Asia, basil requires a lot of heat to thrive, and can be prone to downy mildew. There are many varieties to choose from, however, some of which have been bred to withstand cooler conditions.

Basil 'Dark Opal' isn't one of the easiest basil varieties to grow, but its dark purple and slightly liquorice-flavoured leaves are worth a little extra effort. Sow seed indoors in a greenhouse or on a warm windowsill, and don't move plants outside until summer. Water plants sparingly, ideally before noon so the roots have time to dry out before temperatures decrease in the evening. Harvest leaves regularly and remove flowers to concentrate the plant's energy on leaf production.

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Ocimum ‘Dark opal’ and wildlife

Ocimum ‘Dark opal’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Ocimum ‘Dark opal’ poisonous?

Ocimum ‘Dark opal’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People