Herbs

Ocimum basilicum

Purple basil

Purple basil showing its richly colored leaves. Axdae / CC BY-SA 4.0.

Purple foliage brings color to herb beds and containers. The aromatic leaves are also useful fresh in salads and flavored vinegars; leaf shape varies among selections. Grow in moist, well-drained soil; avoid excessive nitrogen.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Life cycle: Frost-tender; grown as an annual

Sizes & prices

3.5"$4.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Resistance & tolerances

Wet soil: Keep moist, but provide drainage; not a standing-water plant.
Deer & rabbits: Species listed as resistant; browsing remains possible.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Culinary uses

Edible parts: Leaves.
Use: Fresh salads and flavored vinegars.

Seasonal interest

Form: Branching herb with purple foliage.

Growing & care

Harvest: Snip shoot tips before flowers open; leave leafy growth for regrowth.
Pruning: Pinch growing tips for bushier growth.
Winter: Set outside after frost; protect from autumn cold.
Health: Allow airflow and avoid wetting foliage late in the day.
Size & habit: Many basil types reach 8–20 in. tall. Harvest tips regularly for bushier growth.

Pinch shoot tips for branching. Cultivar-dependent dimensions and disease resistance vary; this listing covers an unnamed purple type.

Sources & photo credits

Iowa State University Extension

NC State Extension

Royal Horticultural Society

University of Minnesota Extension

Photo: Axdae / CC BY-SA 4.0; resized and converted to WebP · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Purple basil showing its richly colored leaves. Axdae / CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and converted to WebP.

Size & selection: Many basil types grow about 8–20 in. tall; purple selections vary. Regular tip harvest keeps growth bushy.

Reviewed 2026-09-29. Growing conditions vary by location.