Dark Purple Opal Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a pretty, aromatic basil cultivar. It is an upright, bushy annual plant with pink flowers that add to the beauty of the dark purple, almost black leaves. This basil variety grows a little more slowly than other basil plants and the flowers appear in mid to late summer. It is suggested to keep the flowers pinched back while using the leaves for culinary purposes. Grow this basil along with tomato plants as it encourages growth and it repels pests of the tomato plant.
Dark Purple Opal Basil is ideal for containers and makes an attractive ornamental plant in perennial gardens, herb gardens or containers. The fragrant deep-violet foliage will be a great accent for your floral designs.
The taste is similar to sweet basil which makes it ideal for making pesto. You can chop basil combined with other herbs and oil to freeze in ice cube trays and save in freezer bags for use during the winter months.
We have started this interesting and unusual basil plant from seeds to sell at our annual plant sale (details below). We will also have sweet basil available at the sale. Hope to see you there!
RAINCATCHERS GARDEN AT MIDWAY HILLS
11001 Midway Road, Dallas 75229
Thursday, May 19
10:00 am – 3:00pm
You are invited to shop our wide variety of plants grown, nurtured and donated by our fabulous volunteers at Raincatchers. There will be annuals, perennials, tropicals, sedums, peppers and herbs as well as decorative pots, yard art and other gardening related items. Prices start at $2 per 4” pot. Come find that special plant or whimsical item to enhance your garden.
Jackie James, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 1993
Dallas County Master Gardener Spring Tour-April 30 and May 1st
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 