General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit: Herb/Forb
Life cycle: Annual
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Preferences: Mesic
Plant Height: 18-24 inches
Plant Spread: 12-18 inches
Leaves: Fragrant
Flower Color: Pink
Flower Time: Summer
Late summer or early fall
Propagation: Seeds: Provide light
Pollinators: Bees

Image
Common names
  • Dark Opal Basil

Photo Gallery
Location: Gardenfish garden
Date: 2020-08-25
Male mantis color matches the leaves
Location: Gardenfish garden
Date: June 2020
Beautiful in the sun
Location: North Branch, MN
Date: 2018-07-26
Location: Metro Detroit
Date: 2013-06-27

Date: 2012-07-28
Location: Lincoln, NE
Date: September, 2011
Leaves have a wonderful fragrance when crushed.
Location: My Northeastern Indiana Gardens - Zone 5b
Date: 2012-07-20
Location: My Northeastern Indiana Gardens - Zone 5b
Date: 2012-07-29
Uploaded by SCButtercup

Date: 2012-05-18

Date: 2012-05-18
Location: My Northeastern Indiana Gardens - Zone 5b
Date: 2012-07-10

 Photo Courtesy of Select Seeds. Used with permission.
  • Uploaded by Joy

Date: 2011-09-29

Courtesy Annie's Heirloom Seeds
  • Uploaded by vic
Comments:
  • Posted by Moby (Lincoln, NE) on Sep 21, 2011 6:31 PM concerning plant:
    Not especially good for culinary use, but makes a statement where dark foliage is wanted.
  • Posted by Moby (Lincoln, NE) on Sep 29, 2011 4:53 PM concerning plant:
    To collect seeds, pick flower stem when dried. Hold the stem over a container or paper plate and roll the flower between your fingers. Look for the oval seeds that are about the size of coarse-ground pepper.
  • Posted by SCButtercup (Simpsonville SC - Zone 7b) on Aug 24, 2014 5:50 AM concerning plant:
    Seems to hold its color best if not allowed to get water stressed. Grow it in containers with a water reservoir. Color is amazing and makes for great bouquets. Really dresses up a gift basket of zucchini when tucked in with a basket of extra produce. Taste is very basil-y.
Discussion Threads about this plant
Thread Title Last Reply Replies
Incredible camouflage by arctangent Oct 28, 2020 12:16 PM 4

« Add a new plant to the database

» Search the Basils Database: by characteristics or by cultivar name

« See the general plant entry for Basils (Ocimum)

« The Basils Database Front Page

« The Plants Database Front Page

Today's site banner is by Zoia and is called "Charming Place Setting"

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.