 |
Ocimum basilicum purpurescens 'Purple Ruffles'
|
Description
An improved purple leaf basil chosen for its deep ruffles (that helps it stand out in salads). Slight clove scent; makes a wonderful and colourful herbal vinegar. Grows 25-30cm (10-12 in.) tall. Some plants may show green as well. 1987 AAS winner.
CULTURE: Do not be in a hurry to plant basil. Plants are usually started indoors 5-6 weeks before night-time temperatures outside are consistently above 10C (50F), which can be early June. So start indoors late April or thereabouts. Sow seeds uncovered, lightly pressed into a sterile starting mix. Transplant to the garden in full sun in rows 60-100cm (2-3.75 ft) apart and thin plants to 30cm (1ft) apart. Basil also does well in containers. Regular watering is needed, as basil will not tolerate drying right out.
HARVEST: For culinary use, harvest basil just before the flowers appear. Keep harvesting the growing tips to produce a bushy plant. For a large harvest, you can cut off as much as half the plant at once. To keep the highest quality of oils in the leaves, quick-drying in a food dehydrator or microwave works well. Leaves can also be frozen. For ornamental use, let the flowers develop and use them fresh or in dried arrangements.