Customer Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8-4 MST
Features
Family
Laminaceae
Native
Probably Africa, but in cultivation for so long that it cannot be verified.
Life Cycle
Annual
Plant Height
Tall (Greater than 24")
Further Information
Plant Characteristics
Good for Containers
Growing Conditions
Frost Sensitive
About Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Large, dark reddish-purple glossy leaves with a mild, sweet flavor. Small lavender-blue flower spikes appear in late summer.
Planting Basil
Plant Spacing
A group of 2 seeds every 12"
Light Required
Full sun to part shade
Plant Height
Tall (Greater than 24")
Planting Depth
¼"
Coverage & Planting Details
| Coverage | This packet sows up to 120 feet. |
|---|---|
| Row Spacing | 12" |
| Seed Depth | ¼" |
| Seed Spacing | A group of 2 seeds every 12" |
| Thinning | When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 12" |
| Germination | 5 – 10 Days |
| Start Indoors | RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outside. Transplant when your nighttime temperatures are above 50°F. |
| Direct Sow | 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F, ideally 65°–85°F. Successive Sowings: We recommend 3 or 4 successive sowings every 3 weeks after initial sowing. |
| Growing & Harvesting | Basil flavor is best before the plant flowers. Harvest up to 1/3 of the plant at a time, leaving enough for the plant to be healthy and keep producing. Harvest prior to a frost; basil is very frost sensitive. |
Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone
Average First Frost Date
October 19
Average Last Frost Date
May 19
Your Hardiness Zone is
5b
Send Your Recommendation
Total 5 star reviews: 15 Total 4 star reviews: 5 Total 3 star reviews: 1 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 3
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Rating
Which best describes you as a gardener?
24 reviews
- EnzoVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars4/29/26Purple Petra basil
Lovely smell. Growing well in south South
Which best describes you as a gardener? ExpertBIBotanical Interests5/3/26Hey Enzo,
We're so happy to hear your Purple Petra Basil Seeds are growing well in the South! Your photos are beautiful. That lovely smell you're enjoying is just one of the amazing things about this beautiful purple variety - the aroma is absolutely incredible and adds such a unique touch to any garden! Purple Petra basil not only smells fantastic but looks stunning too with those gorgeous deep purple leaves. You're going to love using this aromatic beauty in your cooking or just enjoying that wonderful fragrance in your garden! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Elizabeth S.CO, United StatesVerified BuyerRated 3 out of 5 stars9/19/25Slow success
Slow growing but still seeing progress. Compared to Genovese basil, this has been less successful.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? YourselfHow do you prefer to grow? ContainerBIBotanical Interests9/24/25Hello Elizabeth,
Thank you for sharing your feedback on the Purple Petra Basil 🌿. It’s true that this variety tends to grow more slowly compared to Genovese basil. That’s completely normal since Purple Petra focuses more of its energy on developing its vibrant purple foliage and slightly sweeter flavor. The good news is that steady growth is a great sign that it’s establishing strong roots, and with a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful, flavorful leaves.
We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope you enjoy this unique basil as it continues to mature. Happy gardening! 🌿
- Stephanie Vitoria S.Rated 5 out of 5 stars3/5/255 Stars
Stunning!
- Mary T.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2/12/255 Stars
Order arrived promptly
- Brian D.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1/12/255 Stars
Majority of seeds germinated and great quality.