Basil Dark Opal Seed Namibia

Dark Opal Basil is a striking purple basil grown for its deep burgundy foliage, beautiful stems, and lovely ornamental value in both the garden and the vase. It is a wonderful choice for gardeners who want something useful, edible, and visually dramatic, with rich colour that stands out beautifully among cut flowers and summer plantings.

At Love Dahlias Namibia, we love Dark Opal basil for the way it adds dark foliage, contrast, and texture to the garden and to harvested bunches. If you have been searching for purple basil seed in Namibia, basil seed Namibia, or an unusual herb to grow at home, this is a beautiful variety to try.

Dark Opal basil is an annual that grows best in full sun and moderately rich, moist soil. It is not drought tolerant and can be damaged by heat stress, so regular moisture through the growing season helps keep plants healthy and productive. This variety is especially loved for its rich leaf colour and its ability to bring both beauty and usefulness to the garden.

Packet Size: 50 seeds

Growing information
Days to germination: 5–10 days at 18–21°C

Sowing:
Direct seed (recommended): Sow seed 0.6 cm deep, with 2–3 seeds every 2.5 cm, in rows spaced 45 cm apart. Firm the soil gently over the seeds. Thinning is not essential, but a final spacing of 10–20 cm produces healthy, full plants.
Transplant: Sow indoors 6 weeks before planting out. Sow 0.6 cm deep and keep at 21°C for best germination. Transplant into the garden when seedlings have 3–4 sets of leaves, spacing plants 10–20 cm apart in rows 45 cm apart.

Light preference: Full sun
Soil requirements: Moderately rich, moist soil
Plant height: 45–60 cm
Plant spacing: 10–20 cm
Hardiness: Annual
Scientific name: Ocimum spp.

Harvest information
Begin light harvesting once plants starts to flowers. It is best to harvest early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and the leaves are less likely to wilt. A full harvest should be done just after the plants begin to flower. Cut the whole plant 10–15 cm above the ground to encourage a second flush of growth. Handle gently, as basil leaves bruise easily. Do not store below 10°C.

Why growers love Dark Opal basil

• Beautiful deep purple foliage
• Adds contrast and drama to the garden
• Useful as both an edible herb and an ornamental plant
• Easy to grow and rewarding to harvest
• A lovely choice for Namibian gardeners wanting something bold and unusual