Purple Basil Seeds Vilmorin - Decorative Leaves, Lemony Flavour

Purple Basil Vilmorin (Reference: 5873046) - Discover this exceptional basil variety with its spectacular purple leaves. Native to India, where it was considered a sacred plant, this Vilmorin herb seed lets you easily grow a basil that is both decorative and delicious. Its unique lemon-tarragon flavours make it a prime ingredient to elevate your Mediterranean cooking.

Benefits and uses of purple basil

Purple basil is for dedicated gardeners, home cooks and catering professionals looking for an outstanding aromatic plant. Perfect for urban vegetable plots, balcony window boxes or large gardens, it adapts to every growing space. Its unique purple colour makes it an ideal choice for decorative gardens, where looks matter as much as function.

In the kitchen, this variety excels in making colourful salads, original sauces such as purple pesto, and in accompanying white meats and fish. Gastronomy professionals value it for its ability to lift dishes visually while bringing complex aromas. For home cooks it is a simple way to raise the level of everyday cooking.

Technical features and innovation

Vilmorin seed comes from a rigorous selection that guarantees optimal germination and even growth. Purple basil has remarkable botanical characteristics, with its oval purple leaves and violet highlights that deepen in sunlight. This anthocyanin pigmentation gives it not only its beauty but also superior antioxidant properties.

The plant reaches a height of 30 to 40 cm at maturity, with a compact, bushy habit. Its sturdy stems stand up perfectly to repeated picking. Its unique aromatic profile combines notes of tarragon and lemon with a hint of anise, creating an incomparable range of flavours. Its natural resistance to the diseases common to basil makes this variety a sensible choice for organic growing.

Sowing, growing and care

Sowing purple basil is done from March to June depending on the region. For sowing indoors, start from March in pots filled with seed compost at a temperature of 18-20°C. The seeds germinate in 8 to 15 days. Transplant the seedlings once they reach 4-5 cm, then plant them out for good after the last frosts, around mid-May.

For growing in open ground, choose a sunny spot with a well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A spacing of 20 cm between plants encourages the best development. Regular but moderate watering keeps the soil cool without waterlogging. Pinch out the flowering tips regularly to encourage leaf growth and extend the picking season until the first frosts.

Expert advice and garden pairings

To get the most from your purple basil, pair it with tomatoes in your vegetable plot — this traditional pairing improves the growth and flavour of both plants. The organic fertilisers available from Multitanks will help your plants develop. Do also consider bamboo canes to support the taller stems at the end of the season.

A professional tip: pick preferably in the morning once the dew has gone, to concentrate the essential oils as much as possible. To keep the aroma, dry the leaves in the shade or freeze them whole. Flavoured olive oil is made by letting a few sprigs infuse in a bottle for several weeks.

Combine this crop with other Mediterranean herbs such as thyme, oregano or sage to create a true herb garden. Installing a Gardena watering system automates the irrigation and guarantees a constant water supply, which is crucial for the aromatic quality of basil.

Technical specifications