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Basil · Annual herb
Purple Basil
Dark Opal / Purple
Summer
SunFull sun
WaterConsistent moisture; don't let it wilt hard.
SpacingDistributed as a companion — ~1 per bag edge, interplanted around tomatoes/peppers.
FeedingHeavy feeder — feed regularly.
Care
- Sow ¼" deep. Pinch flower buds immediately — Decatur basil bolts by July.
- Distributed strategy (not bed-dedicated): ~18 in-ground/bag plants + AeroGarden rounds.
- Run AeroGarden Round 2 mid-May so it arrives as Round 1 declines.
- Doubles as an aphid/whitefly deterrent at bag edges.
Harvest
Peak June–July: ~18 mature plants yield ~15–40 cups leaves/week → ~8–20 pesto freezer portions/week. Freeze pesto in batches.
Watch for
Bolting in summer heat; pinch continuously.