| Dark Opal basil was bred at the University of Connecticut in the 1950's to have the darkest purple leaves of any cultivar. Its also loaded with volatile oils, responsible for the heady aroma and strong flavor so essential to cooking. It is the best choice for flavoring oils and vinegars. Pick the leaves and use fresh or dried in tomato dishes, pasta sauces, vegetables and soups. You can also use basil in the garden as a companion plant to repel aphids, mites, and tomato hornworms. This highly ornamental and aromatic cultivar grows 24 inches high and 12 inches wide. The dark purple-black leavesgrow 2 to 2 inches long. Small terminal racemes of cerise-pink flowers are borne in summer. Grow in a rich, well-drained, soil in full sun. Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushier plants and to delay flowering.Pkt is 100 seeds. |
