Edibles – Herbs – Purple Basil

Purple Basil

Botanical name: ocimum basilicum var. Purpureum 

Beginner friendly?:  yes

Average size at maturity: 12-18 inches in height and spread 

Hardy zone: 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in first growing season, grown as an annual herb in zone 8 climates 

Foliage color: purple 

Flower color: pink 

Bloom time:  flowers spring-summer, foliage for harvest summer-fall 

Pruning instructions: lightly prune foliage during the spring and summer months to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate by seed sowing 

Landscape use: flower garden, container plant, porch accent, pollinator garden, culinary/herbal garden 

Special features: attracts pollinators, culinary herb, vibrant foliage, heat tolerant 

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2-4 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use an organic fertilizer once a year in the early spring, feed with compost before planting

Best time to plant: spring 

Best type of soil: loam, sand 

Companion plants: tomatoes, peppers, parsley, oregano

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and most pets, potentially toxic for cats if ingested in large amounts over a significant period of time 

Invasive species: no