A stunning basil that has truly dark red leaves. Although burgundy or eggplant basil might be a better description of the color rather than crimson. This variety does not have little green offshoots that many other red leafed basils have but it truly crimson. It has a wonderful spicy aroma of cloves that makes it irresistible when the aroma drifts across the garden and drawing admirers like a beacon. As easy to grow as other basils it needs full sun, water and pruning to keep it looking its best. Makes a great addition to patio planters or a great splash in the garden where colored foliage is always a bonus. Wonderful ornamental and you can eat it too! However deer and rabbits don't seem to but butterflies love the flowers.
Description of Crimson Basil (Ocimum Basilicum "Crimson")
The whole plant is deep burgundy or eggplant color. It is a lush annual that
can grow to 3 feet in height with upright branching stems that are square in
cross section. Leaves are ovate with serrated edges from 2-4 inches (5.1-10.2cm)
long. Leaves tend to be 'wrinkled' or puckered towards the central vein. In
mid summer the plant puts up tall stiff flower stalks. These can be up to three
feet in length and are composed of flat green bracts separated by about one
inch of bare stem giving the appearance of flat beads on string. Each bract
produces a whole of small white flowers with deep burgundy stamens. Flowering
can last a for several months and is followed by small brown seeds. In most
cases flower stems are removed to increase leaf production. Plants are usually
about 18"( 45cm ) tall and 12" (30cm )wide unless flowering.
Growing Crimson Basil (Ocimum Basilicum "Crimson") from
Seed.
All basils are very easy to grow from seed. Follow our general
growing instructions. Keep compost slightly dry at all times but do not
let it dry out entirely. Pot on when seedlings are large enough to handle and
plant out after hardening off.
Crimson Basil can easily be grown indoors in pots all year around to ensure
fresh herb for the kitchen. Starting seeds in early spring ready for outdoor
planting will help increase the season length. Seeds can then either be sown
throughout the year in pots if desired or sown directly in the ground once all
danger of frost has passed.
Germination usually takes about 14-20 days depending on temperature.
Location and Care of of Crimson Basil (Ocimum Basilicum "Crimson").
Crimson Basil is easy to grow from seed but takes a little more care than some
other herbs. It likes full sun, but in very warm sunny areas partial shade is
advisable. It prefers a soil with good organic material for the best lush growth
of leaves.
It also needs more water than many other herbs. Crimson Basil is a lush plant
and will not tolerate any drought. Daily watering is essential for good productive
plants. In times of drought and high heat water more frequently.
When watering try to get all the water at the soil level and not on the leaves. Water droplets on the leaves can act as little lenses and burn the leaves. Avoid splashing the water and soil up on the leaves as this can promote fungal molds. An ideal way to water basil in the ground is by using a soaker hose. This allows water to reach the roots without getting any on the leaves and its easier for the gardener so all you need to do is turn on the hose once a day. Or you can get a timer and let it be watered automatically.
Crimson Basil is a tender plant and will not tolerate frost. As soon as the weather turns cold the leaves begin to turn black. In areas where there is not frost the plants can live for two or more years. Basils can tolerate slightly acidic soils. If the pH is lower than 6.5, add a dressing of lime when preparing the soil.
Crimson Basil is a great addition to any flower bed as the bright green leaves and exotic look of the plant add interest and can be a very nice backdrop for other flowering plants. To keep basil at it's best for leaf production pinch off the flower stalks as they arise. This may be an ongoing process if the plant is happy as it will want to flower. However flowering will reduce leaf production and pinching encourages the plant to branch and produce even more leaves.
Plant spacing and airflow.
Allow plenty of air space around your basil plants. IF growing a row keep plants
at least 2 feet apart. If growing in a border keep other plants back
slightly
to allow for airflow. Don't grow Crimson Basil in areas where there is little
airflow. Crimson Basil can be highly susceptible to fungal molds and allowing
good airflow around the plant can greatly reduce the likelihood of this happening
to your plants.
Keep chemicals away from your basil.
Don't grow Crimson Basil in a area where it could be sprayed by chemicals, if
you use chemicals on your lawn ensure that your basil plants are not right next
to it. Try not to grow it near your property boundary where chemicals used by
your neighbor may land on your plants. Always wash the leaves well before eating.
Great of decks, boxes and hanging baskets.
Crimson Basil is a very versatile plant and can be grown in hanging baskets,
pots and even on the windowsill offering fresh basil throughout the winter months.
If leaves are harvested regularly the plants can be kept small. This plant is
rich in several important nutrients, most notably vitamin A, vitamin C. It also
contains high concentrations of carotenoids like beta carotene, and these substances
are converted to vitamin A within the body. It may be a good source of iron,
potassium, and magnesium depending on what it can extract from your soil.
Harvesting of Crimson Basil (Ocimum Basilicum "Crimson").
Once your basil plants are growing well pinch off the central stem when they
are about twelve inches high. After this prune back each stem when it has more
then 8 leaves on it. Harvest the young fresh leaves as needed, the plant grows
back quickly as the more it is harvested and pinched the more likely it will
be to branch and produce more leaves. Always harvest the leaves from the tops
of the stems taking about one third of the stem only. Pinch or cut with snips
or scissors when harvesting, don't tear the leaves off as this can cause wounds
allowing infection to enter the plant. Also don't just pull off one large leaf
or you will get no new growth and the plant can become stunted. Continuous harvesting
of new leaves allows more growth for recutting. If done effectively each plant
should yield about half a cup of leaves every week throughout the season. (expect
less on plants grown on indoors in windows).
Leaves can be frozen in air tight bags for later use, if drying pick whole stems, tie together and hang up to dry. Leaves can also be packed in jars in olive oil or used to flavor vinegar's for winter use. Make sure you harvest all your leaves before the first frost is due.
Edible Uses of Crimson Basil (Ocimum Basilicum "Crimson").
Basil is most commonly known for it's use in cooking, being used to flavor dishes,
sauces, soups and stews. IT is also used fresh in salads and many other dishes.
Medicinal Uses of Crimson Basil (Ocimum Basilicum "Crimson")
Basil also have very powerful uses as a medicine. It has been used for centuries
on the digestive and nervous systems, easing flatulence, stomach cramps, colic
and indigestion where they have a great calming effect. The leaves are taken
internally for fevers from colds and influenza, poor digestion, nausea, abdominal
cramps, gastro-enteritis, migraine, insomnia, depression and exhaustion. Externally
they are used to treat acne, loss of smell, insect stings, snake bites and skin
infections. The mucilaginous seed is given in infusion in the treatment of gonorrhea,
dysentery and chronic diarrhea. Extracts from the plant are bactericidal and
are also effective against internal parasites. The essential oil is used in
aromatherapy, as a food flavoring and in perfumery, dental applications. It
is also claimed that the oil, growing and dried plant are an effective insect
repellent. It's a great plant to have in the home or greenhouse as it repels
flies.
Other uses of Crimson Basil (Ocimum Basilicum "Crimson").
Leaves can be used in potpourris and sachets
Other Names.
Arjaka, Basil, Common Basil, French Basil, Garden Basil, Luole, Royal Herb,
St. Josephwort, Sweet Basil, Tulsi