Plant encyclopedia›Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal'

Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal'

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A striking, upright, bushy annual producing stunning, dark purple, almost black, aromatic foliage that has a strong liquorice flavour. Attractive spikes of small, tubular, cerise red flowers appear in summer. Highly ornamental for warmer gardens in the UK, otherwise grow indoors under glass

Scientific classification

Species: Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal' (Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal')
Genus: Ocimum
Family: Lamiaceae

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Toxicity: Annual Biennial · Herbs - Culinary
Plant type: 0.1-0.5 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun
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Ideal temperature

Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal' pictures

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Distribution of Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal'

Distribution map

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal'

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Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal' care guide

Keep soil consistently moist for steady leafy growth without drought stress
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist for steady leafy growth without drought stress

Fertilizing

Nitrogen-rich vegetable feed every two to three weeks in active growth

Pruning

Pinch out flower heads as they appear to encourage continued leaf growth. If left to flower, cut back after flowering

Propagation

Propagate by seed in gentle heat in spring under glass or indoors, or sow in-situ in summer. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice

Growing

Grow as an annual, indoors, in moist but well drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Can move outdoors in summer. Best grown in a container. See basil cultivation for more information

More growing and care information →