Ocimum basilicum Purple Ruffles Basil

Ocimum basilicum Purple Ruffles Basil is a spectacular, All-America Selections winning annual herb, valued for its large, deeply serrated, dark purple foliage and complex aromatic profile. Growing to about 18 to 24 inches tall with a spread of 12 to 18 inches, this variety is perfect for edible landscapes, flower borders, and decorative containers where high-impact color is desired. Unlike standard green basils, Purple Ruffles serves a dual purpose as a dramatic ornamental plant and a culinary herb, offering a milder, sweeter flavor with hints of licorice and cinnamon that pairs beautifully with mild cheeses and fruits.

 

Culinary and Practical Uses

• The striking deep purple leaves are excellent for adding visual contrast to salads, pasta dishes, and lighter-colored ingredients like mozzarella or sliced melons.
• Perfect for making beautiful herbal vinegars and oils; the leaves infuse a lovely pinkish-purple hue and a subtle, spicy anise flavor into the liquid.
• Can be used to make a unique "dark" pesto or blended into sauces, though it is often best used fresh as a garnish to preserve its vibrant color.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Large, glossy, deep violet-purple leaves with heavily ruffled and fringed edges; the color is most intense in full sun and may show variegated green in lower light.
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy, and vigorous; the dense foliage creates a full, rounded shape that looks beautiful in mass plantings or mixed with bright flowers like marigolds.
• Flowers: Produces spikes of attractive lavender-pink blossoms in mid-to-late summer, which contrast beautifully against the dark leaves and attract pollinators.
• Seeds: Harvested after the flower spikes dry and turn brown; the small black seeds are easily collected and saved for the following season.

 

Growing Requirements

• Sun: Thrives in full sun; requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight to maintain the deepest purple coloration; shade may cause leaves to revert to green.
• Soil: Adapts to most soil types but prefers rich, fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
• Water: Requires consistent, moderate watering; water at the base to avoid wetting the dense, ruffled foliage, which can trap moisture and lead to fungal issues.
• Spacing: Plant seeds or transplants 12 to 18 inches apart to ensure good air circulation, which is critical for this dense, ruffled variety.
• Maintenance: Pinch off the growing tips frequently to encourage branching and delay flowering; remove any entirely green shoots that appear to maintain the purple strain.

 

Shipping Info

Purple Ruffles Basil seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.