How to Grow Purple Basil 'Red Rubin'
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Purple Basil 'Red Rubin'
Ocimum basilicum 'Red Rubin'
herbRed Rubin is a striking purple-leafed basil variety with deep burgundy foliage and a slightly peppery, clove-like flavor. It grows as a compact, bushy annual herb that reaches 12-18 inches tall and is prized for both culinary use and ornamental appeal in gardens and containers. The vibrant color intensifies in full sun and the plant produces delicate pink-purple flowers that are also edible.
When should you plant Purple Basil 'Red Rubin' in your zone?
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Example Purple Basil 'Red Rubin' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Purple Basil 'Red Rubin'
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 Purple Basil 'Red Rubin'
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Purple Basil 'Red Rubin' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as an annual in all zones; best grown in zones 3-11 where it enjoys warm, frost-free conditions
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Seedling
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with two simple cotyledon leaves, followed by true leaves with the characteristic basil shape and deep purple coloring beginning to show.
Maintain warm soil (70-85°F). Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart once true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
3-5 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems and increasingly darker purple leaves. Nodes form where new leaf pairs emerge. Plant reaches 6-12 inches tall during this phase.
Pinch off the top 0.5-1 inch of stems regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent early flowering. Remove any flower buds that appear. Maintain consistent moisture and full sun for color development. Feed with balanced or slightly nitrogen-heavy fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Flowering
2-4 weeks (variable with pruning)Plant produces terminal flower spikes with delicate pink-purple flowers arranged in a whorled pattern. Leaves may become slightly smaller and more peppery in flavor.
Once flowering begins, foliage quality declines. Pinch off flower buds to extend leaf production, or allow flowers to develop for ornamental appeal and pollinator attraction. Flowers are edible and can be used in culinary applications.
Mature/Harvest Ready
Continuous from week 6 onward until frostPlant is full, well-established, 12-18 inches tall, with abundant purple foliage and possibly flowering stems. Leaves are full-sized and deeply colored.
Harvest regularly (every 2-3 days) to maintain productivity and prevent flowering. Remove upper leaf clusters rather than picking individual leaves. This encourages branching and extends the growing season.
Senescence/End of Season
Variable, from first frost onwardPlant slows growth as temperatures drop below 50°F. Leaves may yellow or darken further. Growth stops entirely at frost.
Purple Basil is frost-tender and dies at the first hard freeze. Harvest heavily before frost. Take cuttings for water propagation indoors, or collect seeds if allowed to flower and dry.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning; use row covers; apply neem oil for severe infestations
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Increase humidity; spray with water regularly; use neem oil or miticide if severe
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulch
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Reflective mulch; blue sticky traps; neem oil spray; remove affected leaves
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and
(Gastropoda)
Hand-pick at dusk; copper tape barriers; beer traps; diatomaceous earth
Uses
Fresh Cooking & Pesto
CulinaryRed Rubin basil adds striking visual appeal and a unique peppery, slightly clove-like flavor to fresh dishes, pastas, and Italian cuisine. It makes a beautiful purple pesto and complements tomato, mozzarella, and vinaigrette-based dishes. [source]
Infused Oils & Vinegars
CulinaryThe leaves and flowers can be used to create visually stunning and flavorful infused oils, vinegars, and syrups for gourmet cooking and gift-giving. [source]
Tea & Digestive Aid
MedicinalPurple basil leaves can be steeped as a warm tea to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and soothe upset stomachs. Basil contains compounds with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. [source]
Garden Ornament & Edible Flowers
OrnamentalThe deep purple foliage and delicate pink-purple flowers make Red Rubin an attractive ornamental plant for borders, containers, and mixed gardens. The edible flowers can garnish salads and desserts. [source]
Aromatic & Household Freshness
HouseholdFresh or dried purple basil leaves add a pleasant, peppery aroma to the home and can be used in potpourri, sachets, or dried arrangements. The plant's fragrance may help repel certain household insects. [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 pinching back the top 0.5-1 inch of stems when the plant is 6-8 inches tall to encourage bushiness. Once established, harvest the top leaf clusters (pinch off the upper 2-4 leaves) regularly every 2-3 days to maintain continuous productivity. Never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. Harvesting in the morning after dew dries but before heat maximizes flavor and aroma. Remove flower buds promptly unless you want flowers for ornamental or culinary use. Cut stems cleanly with scissors or pinch with fingers; avoid tearing. Purple Basil continues to produce until the first frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Rubin basil was originally developed in Thailand and is sometimes called 'Thai Purple Basil,' though it differs from Thai basil varieties with red stems.
- 🌱 The deep purple color of Red Rubin leaves is due to anthocyanins, the same antioxidant compounds that give blueberries and red wine their color and health benefits.
- 🌱 Purple basil is more ornamental than green basil and is often grown purely as a decorative plant in flower gardens despite being fully edible and flavorful.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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