Best color in cool growing conditions. Above 77°F (25°C) it stays much more green than purple (like the photo posted by jadewolf). A li...Read Morettle disappointing in hot climates if you expect a showy solid purple basil.
This year is the first time that either one of us had grown purple basil. We have been very pleased with it so far. As mentioned above, ...Read Moreit brings an ornamental touch to the garden - it would even look good used as a landscape plant. This one will be put on our "keeper" list.
We are growing two other varieties, Italian Large Leaf and Genovese. Having done side by side taste tests, we have found the 'purple opal' to have an unmistakable strong licorice taste that lingers after eating. We've yet to cook with it, but this unique aspect might work well for certain dishes.
I might also add that it is enduring hot, humid conditions very well.
I never thought I would, or even could, get excited about basil but I enjoy looking at it and monitoring its progress. This has added to my already high level of shame, but I am coming out of the closet. I am a basil lover and proud of it !!
Spokane Valley, WA (Zone 5b) | July 2005 | positive
While flavorful and wonderfully aromatic, this also provides an interesting color contrast to the deep green foliage in my tomato row. A...Read Morend as with other basils, it's a wonderful companion for tomatoes in both the garden and in culinary use.
This plant is grown in all my borders. If left it reseeds beautifully. I have been very successful in transplanting after rain spring t...Read Morehrough late fall. This plant grows vigorously in any soil though best when mulched in hot sunny areas to retain moisture. I have added it to beds of coneflower and bee balm and the dark foliage is a beautiful addition with the added benefit of discouraging weed growth. Fails in shade.
Grove City, OH (Zone 6a) | January 2003 | positive
'Dark Opal' keeps its leaf color all during the season, so adds an ornamental touch to the garden. Besides, vinegar made with this varie...Read Morety is a beautiful shade of purple.
Has red-purple leaves and pink flowers.To harvest, remove growth whenever four sets of true leaves can be left on the plant. This encoura...Read Moreges bushier growth and increased yield. For best foliage flavor, cut before flowering. Leaf flavor changes after flowers open. After cutting, wash and pat leaves dry. Use immediately or store in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator. When drying the leaves, harvest early in the day but after dew has dried.
Best color in cool growing conditions. Above 77°F (25°C) it stays much more green than purple (like the photo posted by jadewolf). A li...Read More
This year is the first time that either one of us had grown purple basil. We have been very pleased with it so far. As mentioned above, ...Read More
While flavorful and wonderfully aromatic, this also provides an interesting color contrast to the deep green foliage in my tomato row. A...Read More
This plant is grown in all my borders. If left it reseeds beautifully. I have been very successful in transplanting after rain spring t...Read More
'Dark Opal' keeps its leaf color all during the season, so adds an ornamental touch to the garden. Besides, vinegar made with this varie...Read More
Has red-purple leaves and pink flowers.To harvest, remove growth whenever four sets of true leaves can be left on the plant. This encoura...Read More