Helping You Become a More Successful Gardener
Plant Search
Lamiaceae
Ocimum basilicum 'well-Sweep Purple Miniature'
Basil, Well-Sweep Purple Miniature Basil
Distinguished by its colorful foliage and its dense compact habit, this introduction from New Jersey herb-grower Cyrus Hyde is well suited for both ornamental and culinary use. It is one of hundreds of selections of Ocimum basilicum, an annual or short-lived perennial from tropical Asia that has long been cultivated for its aromatic, flavorful leaves.
The fragrant, oval leaves of this basil are purple when young, fading to olive-green with age. They are densely borne on low, shrubby, mounded plants. The robustly flavored leaves taste and look great in salads, pesto or pasta sauce. Spikes of two-lipped, pale purple flowers appear in summer. Flowering causes the leaves to deteriorate in appearance and flavor, so keep flower buds pinched back for maximum production and display.
Basil requires full sun and warm, relatively fertile, well-drained soil. Grow it as a spring and summer annual in cooler zones and a year-round perennial in frost-free climates. Water regularly for good growth and harvest the leaves often to encourage the continued growth of tender shoots and leaves. Basil is the perfect companion plant for tomatoes, so consider planting a few at the base of their cages or trellises. This vegetatively propagated cultivar is available only as plants.
11 - 1
9 - 11
A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Herb
Full Sun
8"-12" / 20.3cm - 30.5cm
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
Southern Asia, Southeastern Asia
Neutral
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Fast
Average Water
Cushion/Mound-forming
Summer, Fall
Showy
White, Light Pink, Lavender
Purple, Bronze
Green, Purple, Bronze
Yes
Single
No
Medium
Glossy
Container, Edging, Edible, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border
Butterflies
© 2006-2012 Preferred Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
