Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal'
basil 'Dark Opal'
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
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Purple | ||
| Autumn | Purple | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Ocimum can be aromatic annuals, evergreen perennials or shrubs with opposite, linear to broadly-ovate leaves and small tubular white or pinkish flowers in whorls forming a spike
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
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
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
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pinch out flower heads as they appear to encourage continued leaf growth. If left to flower, cut back after flowering
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
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