Red Velvet Leaf Basil is a delight for all of your senses. When you see the firm, smooth, deep burgundy leaves, you must touch them, which releases a divine anise fragrance that you have to nibble, and then you hear your own sigh of gratitude that this enchanting herb is growing in your garden, producing all summer long.

Harvest the leaves and stems from the top part of the plant, and pinch off edible flower buds as they appear, which prevents the leaves from turning bitter, and signals the plant to branch out and grow more leaves, making a bushier plant.

The more you harvest, the more it grows!

• Rich basil flavor
• Culinary, medicinal, and ornamental
• Good for indoor gardens
• Good for containers
• Tons of medicinal benefits!

As a medicinal herb, Basil has been used internally to treat anxiety, colds, colic, cough, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, flu, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal parasites and worms, exhaustion, gastric pain, gonorrhea, lactation problems, migraine headache, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, and vomiting, and externally to treat acne, insect bites and stings, loss of smell, skin problems, snake bites.

Works as well with garlic and tomato as it does with honey and fruit, and makes a rich herbal tea. Dress up a Lollo Rossa Lettuce salad with the edible amethyst flowers.

YIELD Do not use medicinally while pregnant.

YIELD Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally.

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum
• Life cycle: Herbaceous annual
• Hardiness zones: 8-10
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• Days to maturity: 60-80 days; can begin harvesting when 6" tall
• Depth to plant seeds: 1/4" deep
• Days to germinate (sprout): 5-10 days
• Germination soil temps: 70F-75F
• Spacing between plants: 12"-18" apart
• Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Soil types: Sandy, loamy, silty, rich, moist, well-drained
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Water needs: High - keep soil moist
• Cold stratify: No
• Frost tolerant: No
• Heat tolerant: Yes
• Drought tolerant: No
• Deer resistant: Yes
• Culinary use: Yes
• Medicinal use: Yes

Good companion plants: Anise, Asparagus, Beet, Borage, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Chamomile, Chives, Collards, Cilantro/Coriander, Dill, Eggplant, Fenugreek, Garlic, Jicama, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Leek, Lettuce, Marigold, Mint, Mustard, Onion, Oregano, Parsley, Parsnip, Pepper, Potato, Purslane, Radish, Rutabaga, Salad Burnet, Shiso, Tomato, Turnip, Yarrow

As a companion plant, it attracts hummingbirds, pollinators, and beneficial insects, and repels asparagus beetles, cabbage moths, cabbage white butterfly, cabbage worms, carrot rust fly, flies, maggots, mice, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, and tomato hornworms.

This Red Velvet Leaf Basil plant produces high yields of deed red-colored leaves that are very aromatic.  It will produce continuously all season long, and grows perfect in containers. 

What is Red Velvet Leaf Basil?

This variety of basil boasts unusual reddish-purple leaves and has a stronger flavor than most other types.  It is appealing in salads, and used often as a garnish. It's been known to repel mosquitoes too!  You can raise this type of basil indoors in a sunny window or outdoors in areas with warm summers. 

 

 

Health Benefits of Red Velvet Leaf Basil

Red Velvet Leaf Basil is packed with phyto-nutrients and health benefits.   Rub crushed leaves on your skin to repel mosquitoes.  It is a potent anti-oxidant with anti-inflammatory properties as well. This basil is an excellent source of iron and has been known to clear the mind and uplift the spirit. 

 

Ways to Consume Red Velvet Leaf Basil

Try Red Velvet Leaf Basil in your favorite salads, fruit jams, sauces, tea or paired with fresh fruit.  Garlic flavors pair beautifully with this basil also. 

See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board