Purple Basil has a compact growth habit. The leaves and stems of Purple Basil are strongly tinted a dark brownish purple , giving it a strong ornamental appeal. Its fragrance is sweet and slightly peppery.

How to successfully sow basil

Basil requires a minimum constant temperature of 20°C to germinate. It is therefore advisable to sow your seeds in a warm bed or in a heated greenhouse . Start your seeds in early spring in pots. Choose a good , fine seed compost .
Do not push the seeds in, pack the potting soil into the cups or tray, then, using your fingers, lightly brush the surface, place the seeds on top, possibly sprinkle a little soil on top, 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 basil plants 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 .
Planted between tomato plants , it will protect them against certain parasites.
All basils are grown in pots , window boxes or on a balcony.