Grown Chocolate Basil?

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Chocolate Basil — Herbs | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Chocolate Basil
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

65-75days to harvest

5-10days to germinate

Z2–11USDA zones

Easydifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or direct sow after soil reaches 60°F. Transplant after all danger of frost passes.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: Moderate — regular watering
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with organic matter
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Spacing: 12-15 inches
Height: 1-10 feet
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Dark green leaves with purple undersides and dark purple-bronze stems
Size: 4-6"
Shape: Compact bushy plant with oval leaves and purple stems
Flavour: Sweet basil with distinct chocolate, cinnamon, and warm spice notes

In the kitchen

Chocolate desserts, fruit salads, specialty pestos, cocktail garnish, ice cream infusions, mole sauces

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles
Diseases: Fusarium wilt, downy mildew, bacterial leaf spot
Resistance: Good resistance to common basil diseases

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
2	April – May	June – August	—	August – September
3	April – May	June – July	—	July – October
4	March – April	June – July	—	July – October
5	March – April	May – June	—	June – October
6	March – April	May – June	—	June – November
7	February – March	April – June	—	June – November
8	February – March	April – May	—	May – December
9	January – February	March – April	—	April – December
10	January	February – April	—	April – December
11	January	January – March	—	March – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

TomatoesBasil repels tomato hornworms and aphids, may enhance tomato flavor

PeppersBasil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack peppers

OreganoBoth herbs have similar growing requirements and repel similar pests

LettuceBasil provides light shade for lettuce and repels aphids and slugs

MarigoldsBoth repel nematodes and aphids, creating a strong pest deterrent combination

ParsleyCompatible growth habits and both attract beneficial insects like hoverflies

CarrotsBasil helps repel carrot flies while carrots don't compete for nutrients

AsparagusBasil repels asparagus beetles and both have non-competing root systems

Avoid

SageBoth compete for similar nutrients and sage may inhibit basil's growth

RueAllelopathic plant that inhibits growth of basil and most herbs

FennelInhibits growth of most garden plants including basil through allelopathy

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g): 23
Protein (g): 3.15
Fat (g): 0.64
Carbohydrate (g): 2.65
Fibre (g): 1.6
Sugars (g): 0.3
Vitamin A (µg): 264
Vitamin C (mg): 18
Vitamin E (mg): 0.8
Vitamin K (µg): 415
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.155
Folate (µg): 68
Calcium (mg): 177
Iron (mg): 3.17
Magnesium (mg): 64
Phosphorus (mg): 56
Potassium (mg): 295
Zinc (mg): 0.81
Selenium (µg): 0.3

← PreviousCuban Oregano Next →French Lavender

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the herbs growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Chocolate Basil?

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