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Basil Seeds, Purple Ball
Description
(Ocimum basilicum). The beautiful, fragrant and tasty purple foliage makes this basil both gourmet and ornamental. Plants reach just shy of 1 foot tall, with a tidy, round form and plum purple color. Excellent in raised beds, window boxes, and other creative containers as well as in beds and borders.
- 60 days to maturity
- 8-12 hours of full sun
- Sprouts in 6-10 days
- Seed Depth: 1/4"
- Plant Spacing: 6-8"
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85 F
- Frost Hardy: No
Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs
Growing Tips
Purple Ball is a striking heirloom basil variety that thrives in warm weather with full sun exposure, requiring 8-12 hours of sunlight daily. To encourage healthy, bushy growth, pinch off the tips of stems regularly and remove flower buds as soon as they appear. Frequent harvesting helps keep the plant productive. The plant grows best in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
When to Grow
Purple Ball basil is a warm-season herb that should be planted only after the danger of frost has passed. Typically, this means late spring to early summer, depending on your local climate. Basil grows best in temperatures between 70-85 F. To identify the best planting time, consult your local area’s frost dates. If you’re unsure how to do it, check out our blog post ‘Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.’
How to Sow and Plant
Start Purple Ball basil seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix and keep the soil evenly moist. Germination takes about 6-10 days. When transplanting, space plants 6-8 inches apart in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. If sowing directly outdoors, wait until the soil temperature has warmed to at least 60 F. Thin seedlings after germination to ensure proper spacing and airflow.
How to Grow
This variety requires consistent watering, but be careful to avoid overwatering, as it dislikes soggy soil. Water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal issues and keep the leaves dry. Adding mulch around the plant helps retain moisture and prevent weeds. To maintain its compact, spherical shape, prune or pinch back stems regularly. For the best flavor and freshness, harvest leaves mid-morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.
How to Save
- Flower heads mature progressively from the bottom of the stem to the top.
- When the bottom seed head starts to turn brown, the stem can be cut and allowed to dry away from direct sun in a well-ventilated area.
- Rub dried raceme over a fine wire mesh and winnow off the chaff.
- Place chaff in a bowl and carefully swirl contents around. Seeds will gather at the bottom of the bowl.
- Tip the bowl so that the chaff can be discarded and blow the rest out carefully.
FAQ
Can Purple Ball basil grow indoors?
Yes, it grows well indoors in containers, as long as it gets 8-12 hours of bright sunlight or grow light daily, and is planted in nutrient-rich soil in a container with good drainage.
How do I prevent Purple Ball basil from bolting?
Remove flower buds as soon as they appear and harvest leaves frequently to delay bolting and encourage longer leaf production.
Does the purple color of the Purple Ball basil leaves fade in full sun?
No, the vibrant purple foliage of this basil retains its deep color in full sun. It may fade slightly in partial shade.
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