Food Forest Plants

Perennial Basil ‘Dark Opal’ | Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum

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$6.50

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Perennial Basil ‘Dark Opal’ is a striking basil hybrid producing deep purple leaves with a rich, aromatic flavour that differs from the more familiar sweet basil. Its unique colour and flavour make it an excellent addition to herb gardens, mixed borders, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

This robust perennial is very attractive to bees and other pollinators, a must for every beekeeper! In our Tea Gardens nursery, it’s sometimes available depending on seasonal stock.

How to Grow Perennial Basil “Dark Opal” (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum)

Climate & Frost Tolerance

Dark Opal Basil thrives in warm temperate and subtropical climates, typical of many Australian gardens.

  • Prefers frost-free or lightly frosted areas
  • Can be grown as an annual in cooler climates
  • Full sun exposure encourages the best leaf colour and flavour

Size

  • Height: 50–80 cm
  • Width: 60-80 cm, prune to keep it smaller
  • Forms a bushy clump with multiple stems

Growth Habit

  • Perennial, aromatic herb
  • Compact but bushy growth habit
  • Deep purple foliage throughout the season

Soil

  • Prefers well-drained, fertile soil
  • Loamy or sandy soils work best
  • Benefits from organic matter and compost

Drainage

  • Well-drained soil is essential
  • Does not tolerate waterlogging

Sun or Shade

  • Full sun promotes dark leaf colour and strong flavour
  • Partial shade tolerated in hotter regions

Water Requirements

  • Moderate watering while establishing
  • Once established, fairly drought-tolerant
  • Mulching helps maintain soil moisture

Pruning & Harvesting

  • Regular leaf harvesting encourages bushy growth
  • Pinch out flower buds to prolong leaf production
  • Occasional light pruning maintains shape and health

Uses of Dark Opal Basil

Edible & Culinary Uses

Leaves have a unique flavour, different from common sweet basil, with slightly spicier and aromatic notes.

  • Used fresh in salads and garnishes
  • Flavourful addition to pesto, sauces, and herb blends
  • Distinct taste offers variety in culinary herb gardens

Pollinator & Garden Benefits

  • Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators
  • Excellent for pollinator-friendly or productive gardens
  • Can be planted in herb borders, ornamental borders, or mixed gardens

Garden Uses

  • Edible herb garden or culinary border
  • Mixed perennial or ornamental garden beds
  • Pollinator-supporting planting schemes
  • Container-friendly for patios and small spaces

Other Names

Common Names

  • Dark Opal Basil
  • Purple Basil

Botanical Name

  • Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum ‘Dark Opal’

Disclaimer:
We love plants as much as you do! All plants sold by Food Forest Plants are intended for ornamental, educational, or gardening purposes. Some may have traditional culinary or medicinal uses, but we cannot give medical advice—please consult a qualified professional before consuming or using any plant. We take great care in labelling, but mistakes can happen. Food Forest Plants is not responsible for any illness, injury, or other effects from using, handling, or consuming plants. Use at your own risk.

Perennial Basil ‘Dark Opal’ is a striking basil hybrid producing deep purple leaves with a rich, aromatic flavour that differs from the more familiar sweet basil. Its unique colour and flavour make it an excellent addition to herb gardens, mixed borders, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

This robust perennial is very attractive to bees and other pollinators, a must for every beekeeper! In our Tea Gardens nursery, it’s sometimes available depending on seasonal stock.

How to Grow Perennial Basil “Dark Opal” (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum)

Climate & Frost Tolerance

Dark Opal Basil thrives in warm temperate and subtropical climates, typical of many Australian gardens.

  • Prefers frost-free or lightly frosted areas
  • Can be grown as an annual in cooler climates
  • Full sun exposure encourages the best leaf colour and flavour

Size

  • Height: 50–80 cm
  • Width: 60-80 cm, prune to keep it smaller
  • Forms a bushy clump with multiple stems

Growth Habit

  • Perennial, aromatic herb
  • Compact but bushy growth habit
  • Deep purple foliage throughout the season

Soil

  • Prefers well-drained, fertile soil
  • Loamy or sandy soils work best
  • Benefits from organic matter and compost

Drainage

  • Well-drained soil is essential
  • Does not tolerate waterlogging

Sun or Shade

  • Full sun promotes dark leaf colour and strong flavour
  • Partial shade tolerated in hotter regions

Water Requirements

  • Moderate watering while establishing
  • Once established, fairly drought-tolerant
  • Mulching helps maintain soil moisture

Pruning & Harvesting

  • Regular leaf harvesting encourages bushy growth
  • Pinch out flower buds to prolong leaf production
  • Occasional light pruning maintains shape and health

Uses of Dark Opal Basil

Edible & Culinary Uses

Leaves have a unique flavour, different from common sweet basil, with slightly spicier and aromatic notes.

  • Used fresh in salads and garnishes
  • Flavourful addition to pesto, sauces, and herb blends
  • Distinct taste offers variety in culinary herb gardens

Pollinator & Garden Benefits

  • Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators
  • Excellent for pollinator-friendly or productive gardens
  • Can be planted in herb borders, ornamental borders, or mixed gardens

Garden Uses

  • Edible herb garden or culinary border
  • Mixed perennial or ornamental garden beds
  • Pollinator-supporting planting schemes
  • Container-friendly for patios and small spaces

Other Names

Common Names

  • Dark Opal Basil
  • Purple Basil

Botanical Name

  • Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum ‘Dark Opal’

Disclaimer:
We love plants as much as you do! All plants sold by Food Forest Plants are intended for ornamental, educational, or gardening purposes. Some may have traditional culinary or medicinal uses, but we cannot give medical advice—please consult a qualified professional before consuming or using any plant. We take great care in labelling, but mistakes can happen. Food Forest Plants is not responsible for any illness, injury, or other effects from using, handling, or consuming plants. Use at your own risk.