How to Grow Splash
Wikimedia Commons
Splash
Ocimum basilicum 'Splash'
herbSplash is an ornamental basil variety featuring striking purple and white variegated foliage that makes it as visually appealing as it is culinary useful. The compact, bushy plant produces fragrant leaves with a classic basil flavor and delicate purple flowers that attract pollinators. It thrives in warm conditions and is perfect for container gardening, windowsills, or garden borders.
When should you plant Splash in your zone?
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Example Splash timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Splash
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 Splash
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Splash dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grows as an annual in zones 3-9
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Germination & Seedling
7-14 days germination, 2-3 weeks seedling stageTiny seedlings emerge with two rounded cotyledons. True leaves develop slowly, showing early hints of purple variegation.
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and moist. Provide bright light immediately after sprouting. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy form with increasingly purple-splashed variegated leaves. Stems thicken and branch naturally.
Pinch out terminal buds to encourage bushiness. Remove any flower buds to prolong leaf production. Keep consistently watered and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Flowering
Continuous throughout warm season once flowering beginsDelicate purple flowers appear on terminal spikes above the variegated foliage. Flowers are attractive and edible.
Pinch flowers for continued leaf production, or allow some flowers for pollinator support and ornamental appeal. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer.
Leaf Harvest
Up to frost or year-round in warm climatesMature, fully variegated leaves reach optimal flavor and visual appeal, ready for culinary use.
Harvest regularly from the top to encourage branching. Remove leaves in the morning after dew dries. Continue harvesting to prevent bolting.
Decline/End of Season
Late fall to winter in cold climatesPlant slows growth as temperatures cool or if allowed to set seed. Foliage may thin.
In zones 3-9, this stage marks the end of the season; plant dies at first frost. In zones 10-11, provide protection during rare cold snaps or mulch heavily.
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning; use neem oil or spinosad spray; encourage beneficial insects
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Increase humidity; spray leaves with water; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure adequate air circulation
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil spray; strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap
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Spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
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and
Hand-pick in evening; copper tape barriers; diatomaceous earth; beer traps
Uses
Fresh cooking and garnish
CulinarySplash basil leaves add classic basil flavor to pasta, salads, soups, and cocktails while providing striking visual appeal with their purple and white variegation. Use fresh for maximum flavor. [source]
Pesto and sauces
CulinaryThe tender leaves make an excellent basil pesto with a standard ratio of leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and parmesan. The variegated leaves create uniquely colored pesto. [source]
Container and garden decoration
OrnamentalThe striking purple and white foliage makes Splash a decorative plant for patios, windowsills, and garden beds, serving double duty as both a beautiful accent plant and edible herb. [source]
Herbal tea and wellness
MedicinalBasil leaves can be steeped in hot water to make a soothing tea with potential digestive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe delicate purple flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making Splash a valuable plant for supporting pollinator populations. [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 once plant has at least 6 leaves and is 6 inches tall, typically 50-60 days after planting. Pinch off the top 0.5-1 inch of stems regularly to encourage bushiness and prolong productivity. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and aroma. Remove flower buds to extend the leaf production window. Continuous harvesting prevents flowering and extends the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Splash basil's striking variegation is a natural ornamental trait that made it popular as a decorative houseplant before its culinary applications were widely recognized.
- 🌱 Basil's flavor compounds, particularly linalool and methyl cinnamate, are released more potently when leaves are gently bruised or warmed, which is why pinching and harvesting can enhance aroma.
- 🌱 In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, basil (tulsi) has been used for centuries and is considered sacred in Hindu culture, though Splash is a modern culinary ornamental variety rather than the traditional holy basil.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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