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Herbs · Ocimum basilicum 'Purple Ruffles'

Purple Ruffles Basil

Purple Ruffles Basil is a hybrid herb variety (Ocimum basilicum 'Purple Ruffles'). Harvest begins around day 75-85; seed germinates in 7-14 days. Set plants 12-18 inches apart. Grow in soil pH 6.0-7.5, zones 10-10, full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours). Plants reach 0-3 feet. It will crop in a container. Hybrid seed does not come true, so it has to be bought fresh each season rather than saved.

75-85days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z10–10USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Transplant after soil warms to 65°F. Pinch flowers to maintain leaf production.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Spacing
12-18 inches
Height
0-3 feet
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Deep purple-burgundy with ruffled edges
Size
Leaves 2-4 inches long
Shape
Deeply ruffled and serrated oval leaves
Flavour
Strong basil flavor with slight spicy notes, more intense than sweet basil

In the kitchen

Pesto (creates purple color), garnish, salads, herb oils, vinegars. Excellent dried for color retention.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, Japanese beetles, spider mites
Diseases
Downy mildew, fusarium wilt, bacterial leaf spot
Resistance
Good resistance to fusarium wilt, typical basil disease susceptibility

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
10JanuaryFebruary – April—April – December

Companion planting

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

TomatoesBasil repels tomato hornworms and aphids, may improve tomato flavor
PeppersBasil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack pepper plants
OreganoBoth herbs have similar growing requirements and oregano helps repel cucumber beetles
MarigoldsRepel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs
LettuceBasil provides light shade for lettuce and repels aphids that damage leafy greens
CarrotsBasil helps deter carrot flies and doesn't compete for root space
AsparagusBasil repels asparagus beetles and both plants have complementary root depths
BeansBasil deters bean beetles and aphids without competing for nutrients

Avoid

RueAllelopathic effects inhibit basil growth and development
SageCompetes aggressively for nutrients and may stunt basil growth
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
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Where to buy seed and equipment

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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.

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Similar varieties

Other herbs with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Purple Ruffles Basil suits these too.

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