Eden Brothers
Basil Seeds - Dark Opal
Best ornamental herb for home gardeners seeking culinary versatility and color.
Cultivate the striking Dark Opal Basil, an annual herb celebrated for its deep purple, crinkled foliage and charming pink flowers. This organic variety imparts a perfumed scent and a medium flavor, reminiscent of sweet cloves and licorice, perfect for enhancing rice, pasta, oils, and vinegars. It's an easy-to-grow option for any herb garden, thriving indoors or outdoors in bright, sunny conditions. Enjoy versatile harvesting as microgreens, for drying, or in sauces. This basil is also deer-resistant and ideal for container gardening.
$6.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5876
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-34%
Below average
Botanical Name
Ocimum basilicum
/ Ocimum basilicum
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dramatic visual contrast in edible landscapes
- Culinary enthusiasts wanting unique peppery and clove-like flavor profiles
- Creative cooks interested in natural food dyeing techniques
Who should skip it
- Home chefs looking for traditional pesto ingredients
- Gardeners with limited access to intense, full sunlight
- Impatient growers preferring fast-sprouting seed varieties
Performance breakdown
Visual Appeal
Striking deep purple foliage adds dramatic contrast to any herb garden.
Culinary Versatility
Unique clove and licorice notes elevate everything from oils to vinegars.
Growth Accessibility
Fast-growing nature makes this an ideal choice for novice gardeners.
Container Suitability
Compact growth habit thrives perfectly in pots and small patio spaces.
Pest Resilience
Natural deer resistance protects your harvest from common garden intruders.
Harvest Flexibility
Easily adaptable for fresh microgreens, dried herbs, or aromatic sauces.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Ocimum basilicum
Seed Type
Organic Seed
Life Cycle
Annual
Planting Depth
1/4 inch
Plant Spacing
10 inches
Days to Maturity
60 to 90 days
Hardiness Zones
3 through 10
Flavor Profile
Sweet Cloves; Licorice
Features
- Features dark purple, crinkled foliage and pink flowers.
- Fast-growing and easy to cultivate.
- Versatile for culinary, tea, and medicinal uses.
- Deer resistant.
- Harvestable as microgreens or for drying.
- Suitable for container gardening.
- Thrives in bright, sunny locations.
What customers say
Gardeners are genuinely impressed by the consistent quality and ease of use offered by these Dark Opal basil seeds. Reviews frequently highlight the outstanding germination success, confirming the seeds are highly viable and reliable. The resulting plants are vigorous, delivering the expected deep purple foliage that elevates both garden aesthetics and culinary presentation. This dependable performance makes them a top choice for successful growing.
Know before you buy
Yes, this variety is well-suited for container gardening. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage and is placed in a location that receives full sun.
Dark Opal Basil typically reaches maturity in 60 to 90 days. You can also harvest the leaves earlier if you prefer to use them as microgreens.
With its distinct notes of sweet cloves and licorice, this basil is excellent for infusing oils and vinegars, or adding a unique flavor profile to pasta and rice dishes. Its striking purple color also makes it a beautiful garnish.
No, Dark Opal Basil is deer-resistant, making it a reliable choice for outdoor gardens where wildlife might be a concern.
These seeds thrive in full sun and should be planted at a depth of 1/4 inch. Space your plants 10 inches apart to ensure they have enough room to grow to their full potential.
Yes, these are organic, open-pollinated seeds, which means you can save seeds from your harvest to replant in future seasons.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$7