How to Grow Purple Basil

Purple Basil

Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens

herb

Purple basil is an ornamental and culinary herb variant with deep purple to dark burgundy foliage and pink or purple flowers. It has a similar flavor profile to green basil with slightly peppery and clove-like notes, making it excellent for both cooking and garden aesthetics. The striking color adds visual interest to herb gardens and culinary dishes.

Looking for a specific variety?

Dark Opal Purple Ruffles African Blue Red Rubin Siam Queen

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in cooler months.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-90 days to first harvest

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Planting depth: 1/4 inch for seeds; plant transplants at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Best in zones 10-11; can be grown as annual in zones 3-9

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny purple-tinged cotyledons emerge; first true leaves appear with purple coloration

Keep soil moist, provide 14-16 hours of light daily, maintain 70-75°F temperature

Vegetative Growth

3-5 weeks

Plant develops multiple sets of true leaves; deep purple foliage becomes prominent; compact bushy growth

Pinch off flower buds to encourage leaf production; fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer; ensure adequate light

Branching

3-4 weeks

Plant becomes fuller and bushier; multiple stems develop from main stalk; leaves are most flavorful at this stage

Continue pinching tops to promote bushiness; maintain consistent watering; remove any leggy growth

Flowering

Ongoing if not pinched

Purple or pink flower spikes emerge at stem tips; flowers are fragrant and edible; foliage may become less tender

Pinch off flowers to extend leaf production, or allow some to bloom for ornamental value and pollinator attraction

Harvest

Throughout growing season

Plant is mature and producing abundant leaves; ready for regular harvesting

Harvest leaves regularly to promote bushy growth; pick from top down; use sharp scissors to avoid damaging stems

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Tomato Pepper Marigold Parsley Oregano Thyme Borage

Avoid planting near:

Rue Sage Fennel

Common Pests

Handpick early in morning; use pheromone traps; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; release ladybugs; spray with neem oil
Increase humidity; spray with water; apply neem oil or miticide if severe
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
and
Handpick at night; use copper tape or diatomaceous earth; set beer traps

Uses

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Fresh Cooking & Garnish

Culinary

Purple basil adds striking color and peppery-clove flavor to salads, pasta dishes, risotto, and cocktails. Fresh leaves can be used as an edible garnish on desserts and savory plates. [source]

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Infusions & Vinegars

Culinary

Purple basil leaves infuse vinegars, oils, and syrups with distinctive color and nuanced flavor. Perfect for making basil vinaigrettes and flavored oils. [source]

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Digestive & Anti-inflammatory Support

Medicinal

Basil contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. Traditionally used in herbal teas to aid digestion and reduce bloating. [source]

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Ornamental Garden Plant

Household

Purple basil's striking foliage and flowers make it an excellent choice for container gardening, borders, and decorative herb gardens. Beautiful when paired with silvery or light-colored plants. [source]

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Natural Dye & Floral Design

Craft

Purple basil flowers and foliage can be used in dried flower arrangements, botanical crafts, and some natural dye applications. Flowers are excellent for pressed flower 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 when plant has at least 6 sets of leaves (4-6 weeks after planting). Pinch off top 1/4 inch of stems regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent flowering. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and aroma. Remove flowers to extend leaf production. Can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season.

Fun Facts

🌱 Purple basil contains higher levels of anthocyanins (the same compounds that make blueberries purple) compared to green basil, giving it antioxidant properties.
🌱 In some cultures, purple basil is associated with love and fertility, and it's traditionally given as a symbol of affection.
🌱 Purple basil flowers are edible and taste similar to the leaves, with a slightly sweeter peppery flavor, making them popular for garnishing gourmet dishes.

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