Ocimum kilimandscharicum x basilicum 'Dark Opal African Blue Basil

Ocimum kilimandscharicum x basilicum 'Dark Opal 'African Blue'

Basil

Very popular attractive herb with exceptionally flavorful leaves. Vigorous selection produces aromatic purple-blue foliage. Culinary herb for gardens and containers. Wonderful choice for adding color to the garden and fresh salads.

  • African Blue is a sterile hybrid of two basil varieties and is one of the most cold tolerant breeds of basil.
  • The leaves start out purple when they are young and turn green with purple veins when they are full sized.

Additional:

did you know?

The name basil is derived from the Greek word for "king." In many ancient cultures, the herb was revered and could be cut only with gold or silver utensils. In India, where it is a sacred herb of the gods Vishnu and Krishna, sprigs of holy basil () are often placed upon the dead to protect them from evil as they pass into their next lives.



Read more at Marthastewart.com: Lemon basil: Ocimum basilicum Citriodorum - Martha Stewart Home and Garden

Basil Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Harvest regularly to encourage growth. Grows best in well-drained soil.

Basil is very sensitive to cold temperatures and should not be planted outside until temperatures have warmed.

Basil plants can be mulched to conserve soil moisture.

The plants should be pruned every two to three weeks to maintain a compact plant. The prunings can be used fresh in cooking or dried for later use.

-Still, Steven "Manual of Herbaceous Ornamental Plants"

Harvested basil will keep for a week in a glass of water out of direct sun, but these cold-sensitive plants will blacken quickly if refrigerated. To preserve basil longer, place washed leaves with olive oil in a blender and puree. Freeze the resulting pesto in ice-cube trays. Once frozen, remove pesto cubes and transfer to freezer bags.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Lemon basil: Ocimum basilicum Citriodorum - Martha Stewart Home and Garden

Height:

36 Inches

Spread:

18-24 Inches

Hardiness Zone:

9-11

   

Characteristics & Attributes for Ocimum kilimandscharicum x basilicum 'Dark Opal 'African Blue'

Foliage Color
• Purple
• Green
Attracts Wildlife
• Attracts Butterflies
• Attracts Bees
Exposure
• Full Sun
Soil Moisture
• Average Water
• Moist, Well-Drained
Habit
• Mounding
Season of Interest (Foliage)
• Summer
Tray Size
• 25 - Preforma Strip (26 Plants)
Uses
• Herb Garden
• Container - Filler (Mounding)
• Bedding Plant