BASIL - DARK OPAL

     Organic Basil Dark Opal  

                 

Dark Opal basil, a striking and aromatic variety, was developed at the University of Connecticut in the 1950s and gained recognition as a 1962 All-American Selection award winner. Known for its eye-catching foliage and rich flavour, Dark Opal basil is a standout both in the garden and the kitchen.

The plants have a uniform appearance, with small to medium-sized leaves that typically measure between 3 to 7 centimetres in length. These leaves are oval-shaped, tapering to a distinct point at the tip. They have a smooth surface with well-defined veins and serrated edges, giving them a slightly crinkled texture. The color of the leaves is one of the plant’s most notable features, showing a variegated mix of dark purple, burgundy, and green hues. While the plant’s purple tones often deepen as it matures, some mottled green leaves are normal and commonly seen in this variety. When exposed to sunlight, the leaves can also display a faint, iridescent sheen.

The leaves are attached to a four-sided stem that is dark red to purple in colour. The stems are semi-thick, crunchy, and fibrous, adding to the plant’s robust structure. Dark Opal basil is highly aromatic, releasing a clove-like, spice-forward fragrance. The flavor of the leaves is sweet, savoury, and earthy, with complex notes of anise, ginger, cinnamon, clove, and mint, making it a versatile ingredient in many culinary dishes.

In the summer, Dark Opal basil plants produce upright flower stalks with clusters of small lilac-pink flowers. These flowers are not only beautiful but also edible, offering a mild, subtly sweet, and vegetal flavour. They can be used as a garnish or added to salads and other dishes for a delicate floral touch. 

          PLANTING & GROWING

Before planting basil seeds, it’s recommended to soak the seeds for a few hours, ideally overnight. This helps speed up germination by softening the seed coat, allowing moisture to reach the embryo more quickly. If you're starting basil seeds indoors, it’s important to take extra precautions against damping off, a fungal disease that can kill young seedlings. Disinfect all plastic grow trays, seed cells, and seedling tray covers before reusing them to prevent fungal spores from infecting your new plants.

Basil belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae), known for its vigorous growth and tendency to spread. Like many of its mint relatives, basil can take over garden spaces if not carefully managed. For this reason, growing basil in containers is often a good choice. Container gardening helps control its growth and prevents it from spreading uncontrollably into other parts of your garden. In pots, basil also thrives because it can be placed in optimal conditions, where the soil, watering, and light are easier to regulate.

Basil thrives in warm weather, preferring temperatures between 80°F and 90°F (27°C to 32°C) or higher. This herb is highly sensitive to cold and frost, so start basil seeds indoors about six weeks before the last spring frost if you live in a temperate climate. This will give the seedlings enough time to grow strong and healthy before they’re transplanted outside.

When it comes to sowing basil seeds, they are quite small and should be sown at a shallow depth of 1/4 inch (6mm). Scatter the seeds lightly over the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil or compost, just enough to hide them but not too deep that they can’t sprout. The key to successful germination is keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

For spacing, basil plants should be about 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) apart, whether planted in rows in the garden or scattered in pots. This spacing ensures the plants have room to grow bushy and allows for proper airflow between them, which is important for reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Good air circulation is key to healthy basil plants, especially in humid or rainy conditions.

Basil grows best in moderately fertile, moist, but well-draining soil. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. To keep your basil plants happy, ensure the soil is rich in organic matter by adding compost or well-rotted manure before planting. While basil doesn’t require heavy feeding, it benefits from an occasional dose of balanced fertilizer, especially if you notice slow growth or pale leaves.

In terms of companion planting, basil is a fantastic neighbour to many herbs and vegetables with similar light and water needs. Tomatoes, parsley, chamomile, lettuce, peppers, and oregano are excellent companions. Planting basil near tomatoes, in particular, can enhance the flavour of both plants and help deter pests. Basil is also said to improve the growth of other plants by attracting pollinators and repelling insects like mosquitoes and aphids.

An especially beneficial companion for basil is borage. Borage has deep roots that draw essential minerals from the lower layers of the soil and bring them closer to the surface, making these nutrients more accessible to basil’s shallow root system. Conversely, avoid planting basil near rue or sage, as these herbs can inhibit basil’s growth.

To encourage full, bushy growth, it’s essential to pinch the tips of basil plants, especially varieties like Cinnamon basil, as they grow. Regular pruning helps the plant focus energy on leaf production instead of flowering. As soon as the spiky blooms begin to appear, remove them promptly, as flowering can reduce the flavour and quality of the leaves. Harvest leaves regularly throughout the growing season, as basil's flavour is best before the plants begin to flower. Snip off individual leaves or cut back stems as needed, but avoid over-harvesting more than a third of the plant at one time, which could stress the plant.

With the right care, basil will provide abundant, flavourful leaves all season long. Regular watering, warm temperatures, and good sunlight will keep your basil plants lush and productive, whether they're grown in containers or alongside other plants in the garden.