Description: 150PURPLE BASILSEEDSNON - GMO Purple basil is a beautiful and aromatic herb that adds a pop of color and flavor to any garden or dish. With its vibrant purple leaves and sweet, spicy flavor, it has become a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike. In this guide, we will take you through the steps of cultivating purple basil, from selecting the right seeds or plants to harvesting, and share a popular recipe using this delightful herb. We will also explore the health benefits of including purple basil in your diet. Cultivating Purple Basil 1. Seed Selection: There are various cultivars of purple basil available, such as 'Purple Ruffles' or 'Dark Opal.' Choose high-quality seeds from a reputable source or purchase young plants from a nursery. 2. Soil Preparation: Purple basil thrives in well-drained, fertile soil. Prepare the soil by loosening it with a garden fork or tiller and adding compost or organic matter to improve its nutrient content. Ensure the pH level is between 6.0 and 7.5. 3. Planting: If starting from seed, sow them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Plant the seeds in small pots or trays filled with seed starting mix, covering them lightly with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall and the danger of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors, spacing them about 12 inches apart in rows or containers. 4. Sunlight and Watering: Purple basil requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day to thrive. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid over-watering, as it can lead to root rot or fungal diseases. 5. Pruning: Regularly pinch off the top leaves to promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from flowering too early. This will allow you to harvest more leaves throughout the growing season. 6. Pest and Disease Control: Purple basil is generally resistant to pests but may occasionally attract aphids or spider mites. Inspect the plants regularly and use organic pest control methods, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil, if necessary. To prevent disease, avoid wetting the foliage while watering and provide good air circulation around the plants. Harvesting Purple Basil Purple basil leaves can be harvested as soon as the plants have several sets of true leaves, usually around 6-8 weeks after planting. Harvesting should be done in the morning when the essential oil content is highest. With clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut off the upper sprigs of the plant, leaving the lower leaves intact. Regular harvesting promotes branching, resulting in a bushier and more productive plant. Recipe: Purple Basil Pesto Ingredients: - 2 cups fresh purple basil leaves, packed - 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2-3 cloves of garlic - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. In a food processor, pulse together basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese until well combined. 2. While the food processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. 3. Serve immediately over pasta or as a topping for bruschetta, grilled vegetables, or roasted meats. Health Benefits of Purple Basil In addition to its culinary uses, purple basil offers several health benefits: 1. Antioxidant Properties: Purple basil contains potent antioxidants, such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, which protect the body against oxidative stress and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 2. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Purple basil is a great source of vitamins A, K, and C, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, all of which are important for maintaining optimal health. 3. Digestive Aid: The essential oils present in purple basil can help stimulate digestion and relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and stomach cramps. 4. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Compounds found in purple basil, such as eugenol and rosmarinic acid, possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Conclusion Cultivating purple basil is a rewarding endeavor that provides both visual delight and culinary pleasures. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this flavorful herb. From its unique taste to its numerous health benefits, purple basil is a must-have addition to any herb garden and kitchen. As a seller, I understand that there may be some confusion when it comes to the terms and conditions of shipping and delivery. In order to provide clarity, I would like to address a few important points: 1. 3 business day shipping: We strive to ship out your order within three business days from the date of purchase. This means that weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are not considered business days, so please keep this in mind when estimating your delivery time. 2. No tracking on orders under $16: Due to the rising costs of delivery, we regretfully cannot provide tracking information for orders under $16. This allows us to keep our prices competitive while still offering reliable shipping services. 3. Estimated delivery dates: While we make every effort to provide accurate estimated delivery dates, they should be viewed as approximations. Various factors, such as unforeseen delays in transit, may impact the actual delivery date. We kindly ask for your understanding should any discrepancies arise. 4. Seller's lack of control over third-party delivery: Once the order is placed with USPS or any third-party delivery service, we, as the seller, have no control over the speed of delivery. We rely on their efficiency and processes to ensure your package arrives in a timely manner. 5. Longer delivery times: In some cases, orders may take up to 15 business days to be delivered. While this is not typical, it is important to note that different factors, such as customs processes, distance, or volume of orders, can contribute to longer delivery times. 6. Contact seller before opening a case or leaving negative feedback: We kindly request that if you encounter any issues with your order, please reach out to us directly before opening a case or leaving negative feedback. We are here to help and will do everything we can to resolve any problems you may have. 7. Give seller a chance to resolve problems: It is our sincere desire to ensure your satisfaction with every purchase. By giving us a chance to address any issues, we are confident that we can find a positive resolution that meets your needs. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these matters. Our primary goal is to provide you with excellent customer service and an enjoyable shopping experience. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Price: 1.69 USD
Location: Berwyn, Illinois
End Time: 2024-08-10T20:49:22.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Climate: temperate
Planting Time: 6 Weeks
Common Name: Basil
Color: Purple
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor & Outdoor
Growth Habit: Clumping
MPN: n /a
Soil Type: Loam
California Prop 65 Warning: n / a
Plant Category: Herbs
Brand: "BEST ON EBAY"
Season of Interest: Spring
Soil pH: Neutral
Life Cycle: Annual
Type: Herb Seeds
Watering: Medium
Unit Type: Unit
Genus: Ocimum
Sunlight: Full Sun
Features: Edible
Cultivating Difficulty: Very Easy
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Unit Quantity: 150
