basil 'Purple Ruffles'
basil or Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens 'Purple Ruffles'
- Position: Full sun, sheltered and warm or a sunny windowsill
- Soil: Fertile, moist but well drained
- Rate of growth: Average
- Hardiness: Tender (will need winter protection)
- Garden care: Pick plants over regularly and remove any developing flowerheads immediately to prevent bolting (running to seed) and to encourage lots of fresh young leaves.
- Sowing instructions: Sow seeds into pots of free-draining seed compost on a warm, sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse from late spring. Protect seedlings from slugs and cold and keep well-watered as they grow. Plant out into the herb garden or into roomy pots or troughs from early summer, after all threat of frost has passed, allowing 15-20cm between plants.
- Sow: April to June
- Harvest: July to September
- Approximate quantity: 200
Decorative as well as tasty and nutritious, the dark purple leaves of this herb have a fringed edge and quilted appearance. Ideal for adding contrasting colour to the kitchen garden, they look wonderful when added to salads or used as a garnish. Pick plants over regularly to prevent bolting (running to seed) and to encourage lots of fresh young leaves.