How to Grow Burgundy Matrix
Wikimedia Commons
Burgundy Matrix
Ocimum basilicum 'Burgundy Matrix'
herbBurgundy Matrix is a stunning ornamental basil variety featuring deeply lobed, dark burgundy-purple foliage with a compact, bushy growth habit. It combines visual appeal with the classic basil flavor, making it ideal for both decorative container gardens and culinary use. This cultivar is prized for its striking appearance and productivity in small spaces.
When should you plant Burgundy Matrix in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Burgundy Matrix timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Burgundy Matrix
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Burgundy Matrix
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Burgundy Matrix dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Best grown as an annual in zones 3-11; perennial in zones 10-11
Sign up free to see if Burgundy Matrix grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Burgundy Matrix timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with rounded cotyledons (seed leaves), developing the first true leaves with slight purple tinting.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright light and maintain 70-75°F temperature. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple stems with increasingly lobed, burgundy-purple foliage. Bushy branching pattern becomes apparent.
Pinch out growing tips when plant reaches 6 inches tall to encourage branching. Water regularly and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Remove any flowers that appear.
Flowering
Variable, begins 6-8 weeks after plantingDelicate pale pink or lavender flowers emerge on terminal spikes; foliage may become slightly less vibrant as plant focuses energy on blooming.
Pinch off flower buds to extend the vegetative stage and maintain foliage quality. If flowers are desired for ornament, allow selective blooming.
Mature/Harvest
Until frost or plant declinePlant reaches full size (12-18 inches) with dense burgundy foliage; ready for continuous harvesting of leaves and young stem tips.
Harvest regularly to maintain bushiness and prevent flowering. Continue fertilizing monthly. Water deeply but allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings.
Common Pests
-
Handpick in early morning; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; row covers for seedlings
-
Spray with water to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; introduce ladybugs
-
Increase humidity; spray with water; neem oil; miticide if severe
-
Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; spray undersides of leaves
-
Ensure good drainage; avoid overhead watering; remove affected plants; use disease-resistant seed stock
-
Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; fungicidal sulfur spray; neem oil
Uses
Fresh and Cooked Basil
CulinaryBurgundy Matrix leaves bring a classic basil flavor with subtle peppery notes to pasta, pesto, salads, and Italian dishes. The attractive purple foliage also serves as an elegant garnish for plated foods. [source]
Container & Garden Decoration
OrnamentalThe deep burgundy lobed foliage makes this variety stunning in decorative containers, hanging baskets, and mixed ornamental gardens. It adds color contrast and textural interest to landscape designs. [source]
Digestive & Anti-inflammatory Support
MedicinalBasil contains compounds with potential digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Fresh leaves can be brewed into tea or infused for traditional wellness applications. [source]
Aromatic & Natural Mosquito Repellent
HouseholdFresh basil plants repel mosquitoes and other insects naturally. Dried leaves or plants placed on patios and near windows help deter pests without chemicals. [source]
Pesto & Herb Butter
CulinaryBurgundy Matrix's leaves create a visually striking purple-tinged pesto with traditional basil flavor. Also excellent blended into herb butters, oils, and vinegars for preservation. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting when plant has at least 6-8 leaves (approximately 4-5 weeks after planting). Pinch off the top 1/4 inch of stems just above a leaf node to encourage branching. Harvest frequently—2-3 times per week for best flavor and bushiness. Morning harvest after dew dries provides optimal flavor. Remove any flower buds to prolong leaf production. Leaves are best used fresh but can be frozen in ice cube trays with water or oil, or dried in a low oven at 95-115°F.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Burgundy Matrix' cultivar's deep purple color comes from anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds responsible for the color in blueberries and red wine, giving it both ornamental beauty and antioxidant properties.
- 🌱 Basil is a tender annual that originated in tropical Asia and India, where it thrives in warm conditions; it will die at temperatures below 50°F and prefers 70-85°F for optimal growth.
- 🌱 Pinching basil flowers encourages the plant to focus energy on leaf production, making it remain productive and flavorful for months longer than plants allowed to flower and set seed.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Burgundy Matrix planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Burgundy Matrix seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Burgundy Matrix timeline →