Basil ‘Dark Opal’
Ocimum basilicum
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
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
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
Sources
How to Grow
Summer Mini Course
Learn how to grow, harvest & arrange beautiful cut flowers
In our three-part video series, you’ll learn a simple step to double the number of blooms your plants produce, how to cut and care for your flowers for the longest vase life, and how to make mixed bouquets quickly and efficiently.
