How to Grow Othello Basil
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Othello Basil
Ocimum basilicum 'Othello'
herbOthello is a striking dark purple basil variety with deep burgundy foliage and purple flowers, offering a dramatic ornamental presence while maintaining excellent basil flavor. It combines aesthetic appeal with culinary utility, making it popular for both kitchen gardens and ornamental plantings. The plant grows as a compact, bushy annual that reaches 12-18 inches tall.
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Example Othello Basil timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Othello Basil
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Othello Basil
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Othello Basil dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11 as an annual; prefers warm conditions (65-85°F)
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Germination & Seedling
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons (seed leaves), gradually developing true leaves with the characteristic oval shape.
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright light immediately after sprouting. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
3-6 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and branches with deep purple-burgundy oval leaves, becoming fuller and bushier.
Pinch off top growth regularly to encourage branching and compact form. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced or slightly nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Remove any flower buds initially if you want to maximize leaf production.
Pre-flowering
2-3 weeksPlant becomes full and dense with mature deep purple foliage. Terminal buds form at stem tips, signaling flowering readiness.
Continue pinching growing tips to delay flowering and maintain leaf quality. Maintain consistent watering and feeding. Monitor for pests.
Flowering
4-8 weeks until first frostDelicate purple flowers bloom in spiky terminal clusters, creating ornamental appeal while leaves remain usable for culinary purposes.
You can harvest flowers for garnish and tea. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) extends leaf production. Continue harvesting leaves; they remain flavorful through this stage.
Senescence
Variable, until first frostPlant begins to decline as temperatures cool or frost approaches. Growth slows significantly and foliage may become less vibrant.
Harvest aggressively to use remaining leaves. Plant will eventually die back at first frost in most zones. No recovery possible—plan for replanting or succession sowings.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning, use neem oil spray, or apply spinosad. Remove preferred host plants nearby.
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Increase humidity with misting, spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, introduce beneficial insects like parasitic wasps.
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Spray with strong water stream, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, encourage ladybugs and lacewings.
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and
Hand-pick at dusk, use beer traps, apply diatomaceous earth, encourage ground beetles and toads.
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Use disease-resistant varieties, ensure good drainage, avoid overwatering, remove infected plants immediately, sanitize tools.
Uses
Distinctive Flavor & Garnish
CulinaryOthello basil offers a slightly milder, more delicate basil flavor compared to green varieties, with subtle peppery and anise notes. The dramatic purple foliage makes it an exceptional garnish for dishes, salads, cocktails, and plated desserts, adding both visual interest and herbal flavor. [source]
Pesto & Infusions
CulinaryPurple basil creates visually striking purple pesto with a slightly different flavor profile than traditional green basil pesto. It also infuses beautifully into vinegars, oils, syrups, and cocktails, creating gourmet ingredients. [source]
Herbal Tea & Digestive Support
MedicinalOthello basil leaves and flowers can be dried or fresh for herbal tea that supports digestive health and may help reduce inflammation. Basil contains eugenol and other beneficial volatile oils with antioxidant properties. [source]
Container & Garden Decoration
OrnamentalThe striking deep purple foliage and delicate purple flowers make Othello basil a beautiful ornamental plant for containers, garden beds, and mixed plantings. It adds dramatic color contrast and sophisticated visual appeal to landscapes. [source]
Dried Herbs & Arrangements
HouseholdDried Othello basil flowers and leaves can be used in dried flower arrangements, herbal wreaths, and potpourri blends. The deep color holds relatively well through drying, making it attractive for craft projects. [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 leaves once plant has 6-8 true leaves (typically 4-6 weeks after planting). Pinch off the top 2-3 leaf pairs regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent early flowering. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and aroma. Remove no more than one-third of the plant at any time. Continue harvesting until first frost. Purple varieties like Othello are edible at all growth stages and retain good flavor even when flowering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Othello basil is named after Shakespeare's tragic Moorish character, referencing its dramatic dark coloring and regal appearance.
- 🌱 Purple basil varieties contain anthocyanins (the same pigments found in blueberries and purple grapes), which give them their striking color and additional antioxidant properties.
- 🌱 Basil is one of the oldest cultivated herbs, with evidence of cultivation in India dating back thousands of years; the purple varieties are more ornamental variations of traditional basil.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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