Purple Ruffles Basil
45d to harvest
Sink your senses into Purple Ruffles Basil’s velvety, deep plum leaves—an aromatic cascade with a ruffled, frilled edge that looks as lush as it smells. The flavor is bright and sweet with a cool, herbaceous lift, tender enough for fresh use and robust enough to shine when dried or blended into fragrant sauces. Grow it for 45 days to maturity and enjoy a compact, upright habit that keeps producing richly colored leaves for continuous harvests.
Crop Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | Apr 17th |
| Last Frost | May 15th |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | May 15th |
| Harvest Begins | Jun 29th |
| Harvest Ends | Sep 1st |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 45 |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Support Needed | None |
| Planting Depth | Normal |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 70 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 60 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 50 |
| Harden Off (days) | 10 |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
What pest or disease most commonly affects Ocimum basilicum (Purple Ruffles basil), and how can I manage it?
Watch for downy mildew, which shows as yellow patches on the upper leaves with gray-purple growth underneath, especially in humid conditions. Improve air flow by spacing plants and watering at the soil line (not overhead), and remove badly affected leaves to slow spread. If problems persist, apply a labeled fungicide for basil downy mildew and avoid re-wetting foliage in the following week.
How often should I water Purple Ruffles basil during active growth, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?
During the main growing phase, water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, then water thoroughly until the excess drains. Ocimum basilicum prefers consistently moist soil but not soggy conditions—aim for evenly damp soil that never stays waterlogged. In summer heat, this may be every 1–3 days, depending on pot size and rainfall.