🌿 Growing Red Ruffle Basil Indoors Under LED Grow Lights: From Seed to Maturity
Red Ruffle Basil is one of the most striking basil varieties, known for its deep burgundy leaves and ruffled texture.
I grew my Red Ruffle Basil entirely indoors under LED grow lights, documenting its progress from germination to mature foliage.
Here is the full growth timeline with monthly changes.
🌿 Introductory Note About Red Ruffle vs. Purple Ruffle Basil
There is often confusion between Red Ruffle Basil and Purple Ruffle Basil, because many seed companies and nurseries use these names interchangeably.
Both varieties belong to the same ruffled, dark-leaf basil group and share very similar characteristics:
- Deep burgundy to dark purple leaves
- Strongly ruffled, textured foliage
- Color that intensifies under strong light
- Similar growth habits and aroma
In many cases, the difference is simply a naming choice by the seller rather than a distinct genetic difference.
The plant I grew was purchased in Korea under the name “Red Ruffle Basil,”
which is how this variety is typically labeled and sold here.
1. Germination: First Sprout of Red Ruffle Basil
The seeds germinated with small, pale-green cotyledons. At this early stage, the red pigmentation had not yet appeared.
Good humidity and mild warmth helped the tiny sprouts emerge quickly.
2. Larger Cotyledons Developing
As the cotyledons expanded, the stems slowly began showing hints of red.
The seedlings remained compact and healthy under LED lighting.
3. First True Leaves Appear
When the first true leaves emerged, the signature red color finally became visible.
- Leaves were still small
- Color was a mixture of green and burgundy
- LED lighting helped keep the seedlings upright and sturdy
4. Transplanting Into a Pot (March)
By March, the seedlings were strong enough to transplant into individual pots.
I used a soil mix of:
- 3 parts potting soil
- 1 part perlite or gritty mix
Red Ruffle Basil responds well to airy, well-draining soil.
Indoor LED lights provided consistent growth even during early spring.
5. April Growth — Leaves Getting Darker
By April, the plant grew much thicker.
- Deeper burgundy tones
- Ruffled leaf edges
- Stronger stem development
The plant reacted positively to daily LED exposure.
6. May Growth — Bigger Leaves & Strong Pigmentation
In May, the Red Ruffle Basil reached peak growth.
- Larger, wider leaves
- Intense dark red coloration
- Strong aroma when touched
Under bright LEDs, the pigmentation becomes even richer.
7. Close-Up: Leaf Detail
A close-up of the March foliage shows how early leaves still have mixed green-red coloration. These transitional colors are typical before the plant matures.
By April, the leaf color deepened noticeably, with more pronounced ruffled edges.
The texture looks crinkled, which is characteristic of this basil variety.
Red Ruffle Basil grows surprisingly large even indoors
when provided consistent light and stable watering.
Conclusion
Red Ruffle Basil is an excellent choice for indoor growers who want both beauty and aroma in their herb collection.
Under LED grow lights, this basil develops stunning red foliage and grows quickly throughout spring.
If you enjoy colorful basil varieties, Red Ruffle Basil is a must-try plant.
I didn’t purchase this exact seed packet from Amazon, but here is a similar product I can recommend:
👉 Purple Ruffle Basil Seeds on Amazon
Affiliate Disclosure: This is an Amazon affiliate link. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through it, at no extra cost to you.
