Imagine this: You’re cooking dinner, and you realize you need a pop of color and a burst of flavor to take your dish to the next level. Instead of running to the store, you reach over to your windowsill and snip off a few leaves of vibrant purple basil. It’s aromatic, it’s fresh, and it’s right there in your own home. That’s the joy of growing purple basil indoors. Not only is purple basil stunning with its deep violet leaves, but it also has a unique, slightly spicy taste that regular green basil just can’t match.
In this article we’ll look at everything you need to grow purple basil indoors, whether you’re a beginner or a pro gardener with an establish indoor herb garden. No matter where you are in your growing journey, this guide is here to help you, and you can skip to sections using the links below.
- Why Grow Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Purpurascens) Indoors?
- Choosing the Best Variety of Purple Basil
- How to Start Growing Purple Basil Indoors
- Best Indoor Conditions for Growing Purple Basil
- Caring for Your Indoor Purple Basil Plant
If you’re ready to add some color and a bold flavor to your indoor garden let’s dive in. If you’re looking to grow regular basil, head to our detailed guide on How to look after a basil plant indoors.
Why Grow Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Purpurascens) Indoors?
Purple basil, with its eye-catching leaves, isn’t just tasty; it’s also a fantastic way to bring a bit of colorful nature indoors. There are many reasons why you should grow purple basil indoors, but here are the top reasons:
- A steady supply of fresh, aromatic leaves ready to use in your recipes whenever inspiration strikes.
- Purple basil stands out against other varieties of basil for its slightly sweet, peppery flavor, and it’s packed with antioxidants.
- Growing indoors means you can have a year-round supply of this delicious and colorful herb.
- Purple basil can help purify the air in your home. Indoor plants, including herbs like basil, absorb tiny amounts of toxins and improve the overall air quality.
- It looks and smells amazing in your indoor herb garden.
Choosing the Best Variety of Purple Basil
Not all purple basil is created equal, so you can’t just go for looks if you want to cook with it. Do a little research before picking your seeds. The two most popular varieties for indoor growing are ‘Dark Opal’ and ‘Purple Ruffles,’ and each has its pros and cons.
‘Dark Opal’
‘Dark Opal’ basil has these deep purple leaves that almost look black in certain light. It’s smaller, making it perfect for growing in small indoor spaces or small pots. The flavor is milder, with a subtle clove-like taste that works well in salads and cocktails. It will take 90 days to grow to maturity.
‘Purple Ruffles’
On the other hand, ‘Purple Ruffles’ basil has frilly, ruffled leaves that are both beautiful and tasty. The leaves are slightly larger than those of the ‘Dark Opal’. ‘Purple Ruffles has a more intense flavor, almost spicy, which is great if you like bold flavors in your recipes.
How to choose a variety
When choosing a variety, think about your space and what you want from your basil. If you’re limited on space, go with a compact variety like ‘Dark Opal.’ But if you’re looking for something showier and don’t mind a bit more spice in your falvor, ‘Purple Ruffles’ is the way to go. And if you can’t decide, plant both! It’s always nice to have options.
If you decide to grow both varieties, don’t over-crowding different varieties of herbs in one pot, thinking they’d all grow happily together. Some herbs like to grow together. And others do not. Purple basil can be a bit of a diva and needs its space, so separate pots are best. Give each plant room to spread out with at least 6 inches in between if growing basils, and you’ll be rewarded with healthy, vibrant leaves.
How to Start Growing Purple Basil Indoors
You can grow purple basil from seedlings or seeds, but there are a few things you need to get right to be able to start growing purple basil.
To start growing purple basil indoors use a well-draining potting mix designed for herbs. Go for a mix that’s light and airy, and if you want to get fancy, add a bit of perlite for extra drainage.
Basil hates sitting in soggy soil so choose a clay or terracotta pot because they help wick moisture away from the roots. Plus, they look good on the windowsill. You need to make sure that your pot has drainage holes too.
When it comes to planting, don’t bury the seeds too deep. Just sprinkle them on top of the soil and lightly press them down. They need light to germinate, so keep them near a sunny window or use a grow light if your home doesn’t get much natural light. Within a week or two, you’ll start to see tiny sprouts popping up.
And a quick tip: If you’re starting from seeds, plant a few extra. Not all of them will sprout, and it’s better to have a couple of backups. You can always thin them out later if you end up with too many. A little extra effort up front saves disappointment later.
Best Indoor Conditions for Growing Purple Basil
Purple basil is like the Goldilocks of the herb world as everything needs to be just right. key factors to consider are light, temperature, and humidity. Mess any of these up, and your basil might start sulking.
Light Needs
Purple basil plants like full sun light for at least 6 hours a day. For the best results, place your basil in a south-facing window. Indoors, that can be tricky, especially if your windows don’t get much direct sunlight. A simple LED grow light can be used to provide the light needed if you don’t have a spot where you basil plant will get that much sunlight. Don’t leave your light on all day, just for the 6-8 hours your basil needs. You might even notice it starts to grow faster.
Temperature
Purple basil is a warm-weather plant, so it prefers a cozy environment. A temperature of between 70-80°F (21-27C) during the day is ideal. Anything below 60°F (15C), though, and you’ll start to see the leaves droop.
The good news is that your typical room temperature is usually fine. Move it away from cold air and avoid putting your basil near drafts or air conditioning vents
Humidity
Purple basil loves humidity. It thrives in a slightly humid environment. If your home is dry (especially in winter), you might notice the leaves getting crispy around the edges. A shallow tray of water near the plant will help with this as when the water evaporates, it boosts the humidity around the basil. It’s a low-tech solution, but it works.
Too much humidity can lead to problems like powdery mildew, so be careful not to put too much water out. A hydrometer will help you measure the humidity and is a small investment.
Caring for Your Indoor Purple Basil Plant
Growing purple basil indoors needs regular care and attention, but once you get into a routine, it’s surprisingly easy to manage. Here’s how you can keep yours happy and healthy.
Watering
Basil does not like dry soil, but it also dies quickly in waterlogged soil. The best way to water your purple basil is to stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, hold off. As you get to know your purple basil you will notice it s leaves droop slightly when it needs water. This is when to check and water.
You can expect to water your purple basil every 7-10 days depending on the size of the plant, pot, and its growing environment.
Always water your purple basil from the base, not the top. Wet leaves are more prone to diseases like powdery mildew. It’s important to make sure you are watering the soil directly and not the leaves.
Feeding Your Basil
Basil is a heavy feeder, which means it needs plenty of nutrients to keep growing strong. Fertilizing every couple of weeks with a balanced, organic liquid fertilizer that is a basic 10-10-10 fertilizer works great. Just be careful not to overdo it; too much fertilizer can lead to big, beautiful leaves but a lack of flavor.
Pruning: The Secret to Bushy Growth
Pruning is the best thing you can do for your basil. Pinching off the tops of the plant encourages it to grow bushier instead of tall and spindly. Start pruning when your basil has about 6-8 leaves. Just pinch off the top two leaves, right above a pair of lower leaves. The plant will respond by sending out new shoots, making it bushier.
Common Problems When Growing Purple Basil Indoors
There are a few common problems that you can encounter when you are growing purple basil indoors.
Droopy or Wilting Leaves
When you notice your basil’s leaves are looking droopy, it could mean you’re either giving it too much or not enough water. Check how your soil feels to work out which option it is.
Watering on a set schedule, rather than observing the leaves of your basil and checking the soil is usually the reason for this. It is important to check the soil and only water when it feels dry. Not only does overwatering cause the plant to droop, but it can also reduce the flavor of the leaves to.
Brown or Crispy Leaf Edges
Sun burn can cause brown crispy leaf edges on your purple basil. Try moving your plant a little further back from the window, or moving the grow light further away if you are using an LED lamp.
Leaves can also turn brown if there isn’t enough humidity in the air, so try adjusting that if the browning continues after adjusting the lighting situation.
Leaf Spots or Mould
Basil Downy mildew spreads fast and can damage your plant. You’ll notice white, powdery spots on the leaves, and if left untreated, it can take over the entire plant. The main cause is poor air circulation and high humidity which are two things that can be a problem indoors. To prevent basil downy mildew, make sure your basil has plenty of airflow. Don’t overcrowd your plants, and avoid misting the leaves to increase humidity or water.
Pests
The two most common pests are aphids and spider mites. They’re tiny, but they can do a lot of damage if you don’t catch them early. Aphids are little green bugs that like to hang out on the underside of leaves. Spider mites are even smaller and leave behind fine webbing. If you notice holes in the leaves or a sticky residue, you’ve probably got pests.
First, isolate the affected plant to keep the bugs from spreading. Then, rinse the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock off as many pests as you can. After that, spray the plant with a solution of water and a few drops of neem oil that’s safe for edible plants like basil.
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth is a common problem for indoor herbs, and purple basil is no exception. If your plant is growing tall and spindly with fewer leaves, it’s usually a sign that it’s not getting enough light
Move your basil to a sunnier spot or invest in a grow light. And don’t forget to rotate the pot, if it is in natural light, every few days so the plant grows evenly.
Harvesting and Using Your Indoor Purple Basil: Tips for Maximum Flavor
When and How to Harvest
Wait until your basil is about 6-8 inches tall and has at least a couple sets of true leaves before you start harvesting. This gives the plant time to establish itself and develop a richer, more robust flavor.
Always harvest from the top of the plant, not the bottom. Pinch off the top set of leaves right above a pair of lower leaves. The more you pinch off the tops, the more the plant will branch out and produce.
How to Store Fresh Basil: Keep It Fresh for Longer
There are a few ways to store your fresh basil so it stays good for longer if you harvest more than you can use. The simplest method is to treat it like a bouquet of flowers. Just trim the stems and put them in a glass of water on the countertop. It looks pretty, and the leaves will stay fresh for several days.
For longer storage, you can freeze basil. Wash and dry the leaves, then chop them up and place them in an ice cube tray. Fill each compartment with a bit of olive oil and pop the tray in the freezer.
Another great option is to make a quick basil paste by blending the leaves with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt, then store it in a jar in the fridge. It’s perfect for spreading on sandwiches or mixing into pasta as a pesto.
Cooking with Purple Basil
This herb has a slightly different flavor profile than your standard green basil. It’s a subtle taste difference that really stands out, especially when it’s fresh. Here are some easy recipe suggestions for you to use your purple basil in.
Use purple basil in a simple caprese salad. The purple leaves look stunning against the white mozzarella and red tomatoes. It’s an easy showstopper of a dish. Just drizzle it with a bit of balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and you’ve got a side dish that looks fancy but took you five minutes to throw together.
If you’re into making cocktails (or mocktails), purple basil is a great addition. Add to a gin and tonic for a twist on the classic. The flavor pairs really well with citrus, and the purple leaves add a pop of color.
Purple basil pesto has a deeper, richer flavor compared to the classic green version. Just blend it with garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil. Spread it on toast, toss it with pasta, or use it as a marinade for chicken.
Drying and Preserving Purple Basil
If you want to enjoy your purple basil year-round, drying is a great option. The color fades a bit, but the flavor stays strong.
To dry it, just tie a bunch of stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place. It usually takes about a week for the leaves to dry completely. Once they’re crispy, crumble them up and store them in an airtight jar.
You can also use a dehydrator if you have one. It speeds up the drying process, and the leaves keep their color a little bit more. Just set it to low heat and check on the basil every couple of hours.
Conclusion
Growing purple basil indoors is a rewarding experience that combines the joy of gardening with the convenience of having fresh herbs right at your fingertips. Customize your setup based on your home’s lighting and temperature, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties. Whether you love to cook and fancy trying a new flavor profile in your recipes, or you just enjoy the pop of color on your windowsill, purple basil is a fantastic addition to any indoor garden.
