Amethyst Improved

Basil

70d to harvest

Slip your fingers through Amethyst Improved’s velvety, deep purple leaves and you’ll find a distinctly sweet, aromatic basil fragrance that turns bold in the garden. The foliage is tender and richly textured, with a compact, upright habit that makes it easy to harvest repeatedly at about 70 days. Grow Amethyst Improved for its striking purple color and its standout flavor—ideal for fresh use, fragrant finishing, and vibrant purple pesto-style sauces.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 12a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Dec 10th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Amethyst Improved plants wilting and showing a gray, moldy stem/neck—what’s the likely problem and how do I stop it?

This is most often early blight or, more commonly, seedling/crown rot from excess moisture leading to fungal growth on the stem/neck. Remove and discard the worst affected plants, then water only at the soil line and avoid wetting leaves; improve airflow with wider spacing if plants are crowded. If the problem persists, apply a labeled fungal treatment suitable for eggplant/solanums and rotate away from the same bed to reduce reinfection.

How often should I water Amethyst Improved during the main growing phase, and how can I tell the soil is at the right moisture?

During the main growing phase (after plants are established and growing vigorously), water deeply about 1–2 times per week, aiming for evenly moist soil rather than frequent light watering. Check 2–3 inches down: water when it’s starting to dry at that depth, but don’t let the soil fully dry out or stay waterlogged. Consistent moisture is especially important once fruits begin to form to prevent blossom-end issues and bitter, stressed fruit.

How do I know when Amethyst Improved is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the eggplant fruits are fully colored (deep violet-purple) and firm, typically about 70 days from transplanting depending on your conditions. For best eating quality, pick at about 6–8 inches long (roughly 1/2 to 3/4 of the final size), because size increases quickly and overripe fruit can become seedy and less tender. Use scissors or a sharp knife and cut the stem just above the calyx to avoid tearing the plant.