Dark Opal basil is an heirloom variety native to the USA , known for its broad-tipped, dark purple leaves and beautiful mauve blooms .

How to successfully sow basil

Basil requires a minimum constant temperature of 20°C to germinate, so you should sow your seeds in a warm bed or heated greenhouse . Start your seeds in pots at the beginning of spring. Choose a good, fine seed compost .
Do not press the seeds in, pack the potting soil into the pots or trays , then lightly brush the surface with your fingers. Place the seeds in the pot, sprinkle a little soil on top if necessary, then pack firmly.
Water with a spray bottle until the seeds germinate. Be careful, too much moisture could cause your seedlings to die. Germination occurs in 6 to 8 days on average.
Place your terrine or greenhouse near a bright window.

Planting basil in the garden

Plant your basil plants in the garden after the last frost in May when they have reached the 3-4 leaf stage. Wait until June if you are north of the Loire .
Plant your seedlings in well -drained , rich soil in a sunny location. You can add a little manure .
Keep 50 cm between each plant. Water without wetting the foliage and without overwatering.

Harvesting basil

Leaves harvested in May and June just before flowering will have the most fragrance, although you can harvest them year-round as long as the plant has leaves . The more leaves you harvest from your plant, the more it will grow.
To preserve your basil , chop the leaves and place them in ice cube trays filled with water.
You can also store it in olive oil .