Growing Opal Basil Indoors | Purple Ocimum Basilicum from Seed

Growing Opal Basil Indoors | Purple Ocimum Basilicum from Seed

Looking to grow a uniquely beautiful basil variety indoors? Meet the Opal Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Opal')—a stunning purple-leaved herb that’s as flavorful as it is ornamental. Here's a complete indoor growing journal from seed to bloom, featuring one of the most striking basil cultivars.

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1. Opal Basil Seed Information

• Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum, Opal
• Common Names: Opal Basil, Purple Basil, Opal Basilicum

• Seed Batch:

• Seed Registration No.: 04-0300-2013-6
• Manufactured: Jan 2024
• Purchased: Jan 2024
• Sowing Date: Jan 25, 2025
• Origin: Korea (Seeds grown in China)

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2. Soaking & Sowing the Seeds

To speed up germination, the seeds were soaked in water for 24 hours. On Jan 26, the day after soaking, sowing was done in cell tray #5 dedicated to Opal Basil.

Key Tip: Soaking basil seeds before sowing helps reduce germination time significantly.

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3. Growth Timeline

+15 Days (Feb 9, 2025)

Cotyledons (seed leaves) showed a deep purple hue—unlike any green basil. As true leaves started forming, the purple tone became more noticeable.

+35 Days (Feb 29, 2025)

The plant was transplanted from seedling tray to a larger pot. With more root space, the basil began to thrive, surpassing untransplanted counterparts in size and vigor.

+40 Days (Mar 5, 2025)

Strong vertical growth and lush, purple foliage—Opal Basil was officially thriving.

+60 Days (Mar 25, 2025)

The plant continued vigorous growth. At this point, no signs of pest infestation were observed.

+70 Days (Apr 4, 2025) — Flowering & Pruning

Flower spikes appeared and the first pruning was done to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. While the flowers were visually stunning with their purple tones, trimming them helped preserve leaf quality.

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4. Final Thoughts

Opal Basil is more than just a kitchen herb—it’s a visual statement in any indoor garden. With its deep purple leaves and subtle floral aroma, it brings both flavor and beauty. If you’re new to growing herbs indoors or looking for a vibrant companion plant, Opal Basil is a fantastic choice.

Pro Tip: Once flowers emerge, regular pruning helps maintain a strong, leaf-producing structure.

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Keywords

• how to grow opal basil indoors
• purple basil care guide
• Ocimum basilicum Opal from seed
• indoor herb gardening for beginners
• transplanting basil for better growth

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