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!

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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.