Basil ‘Dark Opal’

Ocimum basilicum

Features

  • Cut-and-come-again
  • Easy to grow
  • Edible
  • Foliage & Filler
  • Fragrant
  • Heat-loving
  • Suitable for containers

Description

The darkest foliage variety of basil we’ve ever grown, ‘Dark Opal’ is almost black and looks stunning mixed with vibrant colors. With a warm, clove-like scent and a mild, earthy flavor, this heat-loving foliage is a wonderful addition to summer bouquets.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 16 to 18 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 65 to 75 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: when 8 in tall

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Basil is very sensitive to cold; wait until the weather has warmed to transplant out.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when stems begin to toughen, or as soon as flowers begin to form. Be sure to cut during the coolest part of the day to minimize wilting. Immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days.

Details

Description

The darkest foliage variety of basil we’ve ever grown, ‘Dark Opal’ is almost black and looks stunning mixed with vibrant colors. With a warm, clove-like scent and a mild, earthy flavor, this heat-loving foliage is a wonderful addition to summer bouquets.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 16 to 18 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 65 to 75 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: when 8 in tall

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Basil is very sensitive to cold; wait until the weather has warmed to transplant out.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when stems begin to toughen, or as soon as flowers begin to form. Be sure to cut during the coolest part of the day to minimize wilting. Immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days.

Sources

How to Grow

Fall Mini Course

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