Dark Purple Opal Basil (O. basilicum) has lilac flowers and red stems.They plate beautifully with a green basil. In the 1950s The Dark opal basil was developed by John Scarchuk and Joseph Lent from the University of Connecticut.
Historically, basil has been used as a medicinal herbal and is believed to help digestion, lower blood pressure, and calm symptoms of lung disease. These are just a few of the many health benefits. Basil is great for aroma therapy from the extraction of its oils.. Symbolically, it has represented both love and hate depending on which culture you ask. The Ancient Greeks and Romans had negative associations with it and they would traditional curse and shout when planting it. Perhaps play loud music If you decide to try that next time you plant basil so you don’t disturb your neighbors.
More plants?Come to the Garden of Eat’n and discover our 2021 varieties.