Dark Opal Basil Seeds – 500 Ocimum basilicum Seeds for Cooking & Gardens

Dark Opal basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a striking annual herb prized for its deep purple, aromatic foliage and contrasting pink flowers. This versatile basil adds bold color and a rich, slightly spicy flavor to culinary dishes, making it a favorite for fresh salads, pesto, and garnishes. In the garden, Dark Opal basil is equally valuable as an ornamental, attracting pollinators and providing visual interest in borders, containers, and herb gardens.

Easy to grow from seed, Dark Opal basil thrives in warm, sunny conditions and rewards gardeners with abundant harvests throughout the season. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these seeds offer a rewarding way to enjoy fresh, homegrown basil.

Plant Features

• Deep purple leaves with a sweet, slightly spicy basil flavor
• Produces attractive pink flower spikes that attract pollinators
• Dual-purpose herb: excellent for both culinary and ornamental use
• Compact growth habit suitable for containers and small gardens
• Fast-growing annual that provides multiple harvests per season

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
• Plant Type: Annual herb
• Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11 (grown as annual elsewhere)
• Bloom Season: Summer
• Mature Height: 18-24 inches
• Germination Requirements: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep at 70-75°F; germination in 7-14 days
• Spacing: 12-18 inches apart

Planting & Care

Sow Dark Opal basil seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, lightly cover with soil, and keep evenly moist until germination. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin or transplant to 12-18 inches apart. Provide full sun and well-drained soil; water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk. Pinch back flower buds to encourage bushier leaf growth, and harvest leaves as needed throughout the season.

What's Included

500 Dark Opal Basil (Ocimum basilicum) seeds.