Purple Ruffles Basil
Ocimum basilicum 'Purple Ruffles'
An award-winning ornamental basil that combines stunning deep purple, frilly leaves with the classic sweet basil flavor gardeners love. This All-America Selections winner creates dramatic visual impact in both herb gardens and flower beds while providing excellent culinary value. Purple Ruffles transforms ordinary dishes into restaurant-quality presentations with its striking color and exceptional taste.
Harvest
75-85d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
10–10
USDA hardiness
Height
0-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Purple Ruffles Basil in USDA Zone 10
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Purple Ruffles Basil · Zones 10–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – April | — | April – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 4 in. - 1 ft. 2 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Leaves and flowers in tea, as flavoring
Storage & Preservation
Fresh Purple Ruffles basil leaves should be stored unwashed at room temperature with stems in water, like cut flowers. Refrigeration can cause the distinctive ruffled leaves to turn black and lose their vibrant color within 24 hours. For short-term storage, wrap gently in barely damp paper towels and store in a perforated plastic bag.
For preservation, Purple Ruffles excels at retaining its dramatic color when dried. Hang small bundles in a dark, well-ventilated area – the purple pigments remain stable unlike green basil varieties that brown quickly. Air-dried leaves maintain their striking appearance for up to 12 months.
Freezing in olive oil preserves both flavor and some color intensity. Puree leaves with a small amount of oil and freeze in ice cube trays. The anthocyanins responsible for the purple color will create beautiful colored oils and vinegars – steep fresh leaves in white wine vinegar for 2-3 weeks for a stunning purple-hued condiment.
History & Origin
Origin: Tropical Africa and Asia
Advantages
- +Edible: Leaves and flowers in tea, as flavoring
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Tomatoes
Basil repels tomato hornworms and aphids, may improve tomato flavor
Peppers
Basil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack pepper plants
Oregano
Both herbs have similar growing requirements and oregano helps repel cucumber beetles
Marigolds
Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs
Lettuce
Basil provides light shade for lettuce and repels aphids that damage leafy greens
Carrots
Basil helps deter carrot flies and doesn't compete for root space
Asparagus
Basil repels asparagus beetles and both plants have complementary root depths
Beans
Basil deters bean beetles and aphids without competing for nutrients
Keep Apart
Rue
Allelopathic effects inhibit basil growth and development
Sage
Competes aggressively for nutrients and may stunt basil growth
Fennel
Inhibits growth of most garden plants including basil through allelopathy
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to fusarium wilt, typical basil disease susceptibility
Common Pests
Aphids, Japanese beetles, spider mites
Diseases
Downy mildew, fusarium wilt, bacterial leaf spot