Growing Purple Opal Basil Indoors with LED Grow Lights

Growing Purple Opal Basil Indoors with LED Grow Lights

From seed to flower—watch how this vibrant basil variety thrives inside your home

1. What Is Purple Opal Basil? A Stunning Edible Herb

If you're used to seeing the classic green basil, Purple Opal Basil is a dazzling surprise.
Its rich purple hue adds color to your plant shelf and your plate.
While it's fully edible, I grew it more for its beauty than for cooking.

2. Starting from Seeds: Early Growth Indoors

I started Purple Opal Basil seeds. 🌱 Check Purple Opal Basil seeds on Amazon

Like all basil varieties, this one starts with a seed.
After sowing, the cotyledons emerge first, followed by the true leaves.
Purple Opal Basil grows in a form very similar to sweet basil but with striking purple leaves right from the start.

Disclosure: This post is based on my personal experience growing and caring for Purple Opal Basil. While I did not use this exact product, I found a similar item on Amazon that could work well for the same purpose. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

3. Transplanting to a Pot for Better Growth

To give the plant more space and nutrients, I moved it from its nursery tray to a slightly larger pot.
Once transplanted, the basil adjusted quickly and continued growing vigorously.

4. LED Grow Lights Make a Visible Difference

I grow all my indoor herbs under LED grow lights—and yes, they work!
Purple Opal Basil thrived under the full-spectrum light, growing evenly and with intense coloration.  💡 Here’s the LED grow light I recommend (Philips PAR38) on Amazon

5. Pruning for Fuller Growth: Results After Cutting

To promote bushier growth, I pruned the top of the plant.
This encouraged it to branch out sideways, producing more leaves and giving the plant a fuller shape.

6. When Flower Stalks Appear: What to Do and Why

Eventually, flower stalks began to rise.
You have two choices here:

• ✂️ Cut them if you want more leaf production and to extend the plant's life.
• 🌱 Let them bloom and dry if you want to collect seeds and grow more Purple Opal Basil later.

Either way, it's rewarding!

Recommended Tools & Seeds

• 🌱 Purple Opal Basil Seeds on Amazon
• 💡 Philips PAR38 Grow Light on Amazon - Reviews using the same product review
• 🌱 A similar product to the plant shelf I use on Amazon

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.