Experience the beauty, fragrance and taste of the basil purple ruffles herb in the garden and your favorite recipes. This striking variety of basil is not only visually interesting but it has a wonderful aroma and an intense flavor. It is a great choice for cooking if you are looking to spice things up a bit.
Have you grown, tasted, cooked with or had any experience at all with this basil variety? If you have, I'd love to hear about it! share your experience here.
Purple basil grows to a height of about 1 1/2 feet tall. It has deep purple leaves with ruffled edges, which is where its name comes from. This variety produces light purple or pinkish flowers.
This variety will tolerate more shade than other basil varieties but still requires ample sunshine. As with other basil varieties, purple basil does not tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees and should be brought indoors or harvested before the temperature falls below this level. Grow in well-drained, moist, fertile soil while maintaining a PH of 6.5. Ideally start indoors 3 – 4 weeks prior to the last frost. Optimum germination temperature is 70o – 75o F with the germination period typically 5 – 14 days. Once plants emerge, maintain in the 60o – 65o F range until you plant outside. Plant outside 24 – 36” apart only after your are sure the temperatures at night will not fall below 50o F. Flowers appear in July and August in white, pink or purple.
In addition to its use in recipes, it is also frequently used as an ornamental plant. Here’s an opportunity to beautify your yard while also growing a great food enhancer.
Because of its striking appearance it is a popular choice for making infused vinegars and oils. This basil is also frequently used in pesto or as a garnish because of the dark purple leaves.
Purple basil has a much stronger licorice or anise flavor than sweet basil. Some even say that they can detect a slight cinnamon flavor in these leaves. If you want to add a splash of color and interest, you can substitute purple basil in any recipe that calls for sweet basil.
Have you grown or tasted Purple Basil? Tell us what you thought!
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This is my first year growing purple ruffles - but they are growing well and healthy. I have used fresh leaves in stir-fry - wonderful addition! They …
Wow!! Since I grew this Purple Basil and tasted it, no other variety will do! It dries well and has the strongest flavor after drying. Add smaller amounts …
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