What are the sun requirements for Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal'?

Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal' need?

Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal' has Medium water needs.

Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal'

Dark Opal Basil

Open-pollinated cultivar (AAS 1962); the species O. basilicum is native to tropical regions of central Africa and southeast Asia

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Width10-14 inches (25-35 cm)

Maturity1 years

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal' is Dark Opal basil, an annual herb growing 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and 10-14 inches (25-35 cm) wide. Deep purple to burgundy-black oval leaves 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) with serrated margins. Pink to lavender tubular flowers in terminal spikes — pinch to extend leaf production. Square stems with purple tinting. In the mint family (Lamiaceae). The first purple basil cultivar widely available — AAS 1962 (All-America Selections winner). The purple color is from anthocyanin pigments — develops in full sun. Open-pollinated — seed can be saved. The color is not fully stable — up to 20% of seedlings may revert to green or show green-purple mottling. O. basilicum 'Red Rubin' is an improved selection with more uniform purple color. Tender annual — killed by first frost, blackens below 50°F (10°C). Susceptible to Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. basilicum) and downy mildew (Peronospora belbahrii). The clove-like aroma is released when leaves are bruised. Direct-sow after last frost or start indoors 6 weeks early. Non-toxic (edible herb). Not deer-resistant. Full sun (6+ hours). Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

Open-pollinated cultivar (AAS 1962). The species O. basilicum is native to tropical regions of central Africa and southeast Asia.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens, herb gardens, and containers of at least 1 gallon (4 L). Edible herb — purple foliage. AAS 1962 winner. Tender annual. Open-pollinated (20% green reversion). Non-toxic. Not deer-resistant.

How to Identify

Identified by deep purple to burgundy-black oval leaves on square stems with purple tinting. Pink to lavender flowers. The first widely available purple basil — AAS 1962. Up to 20% green reversion in seedlings. In Lamiaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread10" - 1'2"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer Fall

Summer (July-September). Pink to lavender tubular flowers in terminal spikes. Pinch flower spikes — flowering makes leaves bitter. Self-pollinating.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pink to lavender, tubular, in terminal spikes — pinch to extend leaf production

Foliage Description

Deep purple to burgundy-black, oval, 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) long with serrated margins; square stems with purple tinting

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

60-75 days from seed

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0. Tender annual — killed by first frost, blackens below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C). Pinch flower spikes. Up to 20% green reversion. Susceptible to Fusarium wilt and downy mildew. Open-pollinated. Non-toxic. Not deer-resistant.

Pruning

Pinch flower spikes as soon as they appear. Harvest by cutting stems above a leaf node to encourage branching. Remove any green-reverting shoots to maintain purple foliage uniformity. Remove yellowed or diseased leaves.

Pruning Schedule

summerfall