Basil 'Opalesent'
Basil 'Opalesent'
Ocimum basilicum
‘Opalescent’ is a Frank Morton cross between Mrihani x Opal. In Frank’s words , “Very darkest purple with large-toothed savoyed leaves, reminiscent in appearance to the AAS winner from the 80s "Purple Ruffles." But the fragrance and taste are completely distinct from sweet basil, and the fruity sweetness and cherry-magenta color it imparts to a salad vinegar is unlike any other herb I know. Beautiful beyond belief in a bottle with olive oil.
In addition to it’s culinary virtues, we loved it in bouquets. ‘Opalescents’ coloring is dark but there are touches of green making is a wonderful filler. Basil needs to be cut in the cool and heating the stems will allow it to rehydrate quickly - preventing wilting in arraignments. Expect a long vase life
OSSI (Open Source Seed Initiative) Pledged Variety.
SEED COUNT: 200 approx
Seed Raising, Growing and Harvest Information
| Plant Type | Site | Spacing | Height | Sowing Depth |
Days to Germination |
Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | Full Sun | 23-30cm apart in rows 25cm apart |
50-60cm | 6mm | 5-10 days @ 18-21°C |
60 days |
DIRECT SEED - Plant seeds 6mm deep, 2-3 seeds per inch, in rows 45cm apart. Firm the soil over the seeds. Thinning is not necessary, but a final spacing of 16-20cm apart produces healthy, full plants.
TRANSPLANT - Sow indoors 6 weeks prior to setting out (after last frost). Plant 6mm deep and keep at 21°C for best germination. Transplant to the field when seedlings have 3-4 sets of leaves, spacing at 10-20cm apart in rows 45cm apart.
NOTE – Basil despises cold weather and turns black at the touch of frost. Pinch the tops out of the plants above a branching node when they are 16cm high to encourage side shoots.
HARVEST - Begin light harvesting after plants have become established. It is best done in the early morning when the temperature is cooler and the leaves are less likely to wilt. A full harvest should be completed just before the plants start to flower. Cut the entire plant 10-15cm above the ground to promote a second growth. Leaves are easily bruised when picking, so handle carefully. Do not store at a temperature less than 10°C.
