Ocimum basilicum ‘Purple Ruffles’ – Purple Ruffles Basil: An In-Depth Look
Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens ‘Purple Ruffles’, commonly known as Purple Ruffles Basil, is a dramatic cultivar of Sweet Basil. This stunning annual herb is cherished not only for its culinary value but also for its lush, ornamental appearance. With deeply ruffled, dark purple foliage and a unique sweet basil flavor laced with licorice and cinnamon notes, it’s a standout in gardens and gourmet kitchens alike. An All-America Selections winner (1987), Purple Ruffles Basil is both flavorful and showstopping.
Basil belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae), which includes notable herbs such as rosemary, mint, sage, oregano, and thyme.
Native Range
Native Range
As a cultivar of Sweet Basil (native to tropical Asia and Africa), Purple Ruffles Basil was developed in the United States and is now cultivated worldwide.
Plant Type and Habit
A tender, herbaceous annual with a bushy, upright habit and square stems. Ideal for beds, borders, containers, or ornamental kitchen gardens.
Size
Grows up to 18–24 inches tall and wide (45–60 cm).
Lifespan
Purple Ruffles Basil is grown as an annual. In frost-free climates or indoors, it may persist for a longer growing season. Keep it Fresh: 20 Best Herbs to Grow Indoors All Year
Flowers
Spikes of small, tubular, white or pink-tinged flowers appear above the foliage in summer. These edible flowers are attractive to pollinators and add charm to dishes.
Fruits
Like other basil varieties, Purple Ruffles produces small nutlets containing seeds for future propagation.
Foliage
Large, shiny, deeply ruffled leaves are a rich, dark purple with a glossy sheen. The flavor is sweet with pronounced licorice and cinnamon undertones. The striking foliage makes it a garden showpiece and culinary favorite.
Hardiness
Grown as an annual in USDA zones 3–9. May grow year-round in zones 10–11 or indoors with sufficient light.
Award
All-America Selections winner (1987).
Uses
- Culinary: Excellent in pestos, tomato sauces, pasta, salads, and flavored vinegars. Adds bold color and flavor to any dish.
- Ornamental: Eye-catching ruffled foliage creates visual drama in mixed borders and containers.
- Medicinal: Traditionally used for digestive issues and anti-inflammatory purposes.
- Aromatic: Pleasant fragrance makes it a candidate for potpourri and herbal sachets.
- Edible Garden: Dual-purpose as an edible and ornamental plant.
- Pollinator Garden: Flowers attract bees and butterflies.
- Container Plant: Ideal for patios, balconies, and windowsills.
- Mass Planting: Striking when planted en masse for vibrant garden displays.
- Natural Dye: High anthocyanin content makes it useful for natural food coloring or dye extraction.
Wildlife Value
Its summer flowers provide nectar to beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies.
Drought Tolerance
Moderate. While it prefers moist, well-draining soil, it can tolerate short dry periods once established.
Deer and Rabbit Resistance
Generally unpalatable to deer and rabbits due to its strong scent.
Toxicity
Non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA.
Invasiveness
Not invasive. May self-seed lightly in warm climates if allowed to flower.
Benefits of Purple Ruffles Basil
Health Benefits
- Rich in Antioxidants: Purple Ruffles Basil contains high levels of anthocyanins—powerful antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and promote cell health.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The herb contains compounds like eugenol that may reduce inflammation and offer natural relief from mild discomfort.
- Immune Support: Its essential oils and flavonoids may help support the immune system by combating pathogens and promoting overall wellness.
- Digestive Aid: Traditionally used to relieve symptoms like bloating and indigestion by relaxing the digestive tract.
Culinary Uses
- The unique licorice and cinnamon-like flavor enhances tomato-based dishes, pasta, salads, and vegetable stews.
- Its ruffled purple leaves are perfect for vibrant garnishes and purple-hued pestos.
- Can be steeped in vinegars or infused into oils to create beautiful and flavorful condiments.
Aesthetic and Therapeutic Benefits
- The deeply fringed purple foliage makes it a standout ornamental herb for borders and decorative containers.
- The rich, aromatic scent adds to its appeal in aromatherapy and natural home fragrance applications.
Drawbacks of Purple Ruffles Basil
Safety Concerns
- Estragole Content: Like other basils, Purple Ruffles may contain estragole, a compound under scrutiny for potential carcinogenic effects in large quantities.
- Pregnancy: Culinary use is safe, but high doses or essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Cultivation Challenges
- Color Maintenance: Requires full sun to develop and maintain its deep purple coloration; shaded areas may lead to faded or greener leaves.
- Cold Sensitivity: Not frost-tolerant; must be grown as an annual in most regions or overwintered indoors.
- Pests: Susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies if not monitored regularly.
How to Grow and Care for Purple Ruffles Basil
Planting
- Location: Choose a spot with full sun exposure (6–8 hours daily) to preserve the rich purple hue of the leaves.
- Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Enrich with compost or organic matter if needed.
- Spacing: Space plants 10 to 12 inches (25–30 cm) apart for good air circulation and healthy growth.
- Timing: Start indoors 4–6 weeks before the last expected frost or sow directly outdoors once the soil has warmed.
Watering
- Consistency: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch feels dry to the touch.
- Time of Day: Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry and reduce fungal risks.
- Containers: Basil in pots will need more frequent watering, especially in warm or windy conditions.
Fertilizing
- Light Feeding: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas that reduce flavor intensity.
- Organic Boost: Use compost tea or liquid seaweed as a gentle organic alternative for soil enrichment.
Pruning
- Pinching: Regularly pinch off growing tips to encourage a bushier form and more foliage.
- Deadheading: Remove flower spikes early unless growing for ornamental or seed purposes.
Overwintering
- Indoors: Move pots indoors before the first frost. Place in a sunny window or under grow lights.
- Annual Growth: Generally grown as an annual and replanted each year.
How to Harvest Purple Ruffles Basil
When to Harvest
- Timing: Begin harvesting once plants are 6–8 inches tall and have several leaf sets. Morning harvests preserve essential oils and flavor.
- Continuous Harvest: Frequent harvesting encourages fuller growth and delays flowering.
How to Harvest
- Leaf Picking: Pick individual leaves as needed, focusing on younger leaves for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- Stem Cutting: Snip stems just above a leaf node to promote branching and increased foliage production.
Preserving
- Drying: Ruffled leaves dry well and retain their purple color better than most other basil types.
- Freezing: Chop and freeze with olive oil in ice cube trays or freeze whole leaves in airtight bags.
- Purple Pesto: Blend fresh leaves with olive oil, garlic, nuts, and cheese for a colorful variation on classic pesto.
How to Propagate Purple Ruffles Basil
From Cuttings
- Step 1: Take 4–6 inch cuttings just below a leaf node from a healthy, non-flowering stem.
- Step 2: Remove the lower leaves, leaving just a few at the top.
- Step 3: Place in a glass of water in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight.
- Step 4: Change the water every 2–3 days. Roots typically form in 5–10 days.
- Step 5: Transplant rooted cuttings into pots or garden beds with well-draining soil.
From Seed
- Indoor Start: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date using a seed-starting mix.
- Surface Sowing: Basil seeds need light to germinate. Press lightly into soil but do not cover.
- Germination: Sprouts emerge in 5–10 days when kept at 70–75°F (21–24°C).
- Transplanting: Move seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil is warm.
Companion Planting with Basil
Good Companions
- Tomatoes: Basil enhances tomato flavor and repels tomato hornworms and aphids.
- Peppers: Basil provides pest control and traps heat and moisture, benefiting peppers.
- Oregano, Parsley, Marigolds: All enjoy similar sun and soil needs. Marigolds also help repel nematodes.
- Chives: Chives enhance the flavor of your basil.
- Asparagus: Basil deters asparagus beetles and attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, which control aphids.
- Borage: Borage attracts pollinators and improves the flavor of nearby plants.
Bad Companions
- Thyme: Prefers drier soil and less water than basil.
- Fennel: Fennel is one of the few plants that has mostly bad companions.
Common Pests and Diseases of Basil
Pests
- Symptoms: Sticky residue (honeydew), curled or deformed leaves, and yellowing foliage.
- Treatment: Spray with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Reflective mulch can also help deter them.
- Symptoms: Silvery marks or pale patches on leaves, often causing leaf discoloration.
- Treatment: Remove and dispose of infested plants. Use soap-based insecticides or organic contact sprays.
- Symptoms: Large irregular holes in leaves, leaving a lacy appearance.
- Treatment: Hand-pick beetles early in the morning, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Floating row covers can help prevent infestations.
Snails and Slugs
- Symptoms: Irregular holes in leaves, mostly visible in the morning.
- Treatment: Scatter diatomaceous earth or crushed eggshells around plants. Hand-pick at night for best results.
- Symptoms: Ragged holes in leaves, especially overnight.
- Treatment: Raise pots to eliminate hiding spots and apply insecticidal soap or carbaryl dust.
- Symptoms: Seedlings cut off at soil level, especially overnight.
- Treatment: Use collars around the base of young plants to protect stems from damage.
- Symptoms: Small shot-hole damage on leaves, leading to poor growth.
- Treatment: Cover plants with floating row covers and apply neem oil or diatomaceous earth.
Diseases
- Symptoms: Yellow leaves, stunted growth, and brown streaks on stems.
- Treatment: Remove and destroy infected plants. Avoid replanting basil in the same soil for several seasons.
- Symptoms: Powdery mildew appears as white, powdery spots on basil leaves, stems, and buds. Infected leaves may curl, yellow, and drop prematurely.
- Treatment: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Symptoms: Soft, brown or gray fuzzy mold on leaves and stems.
- Treatment: Remove affected parts, increase air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
- Symptoms: Small black or brown spots on leaves, sometimes with yellow halos or stem streaking.
- Treatment: Water at the base, avoid wetting leaves, and space plants to allow air flow.
- Symptoms: Sudden wilting of plants despite green foliage.
- Treatment: There is no effective treatment. Remove and destroy infected plants and rotate crops to reduce disease buildup.
Prevention and Control
- Check plants often for early signs of pests and diseases.
- Provide good airflow by spacing basil properly and pruning dense growth.
- Use drip irrigation or water at the base to keep leaves dry.
- Practice crop rotation to limit recurring soil-borne issues.
- Promptly remove and discard infected plants to prevent further spread.
Popular Basil Plants
- Sweet Basil: The most widely grown variety, with large, smooth, glossy green leaves and a sweet flavor. Ideal for salads and Italian dishes, especially pesto. 18–24 in. tall (45–60 cm).
- Genovese Basil: A top choice for culinary use, especially in pesto. Features large, slightly crinkled leaves with a fragrance of jasmine, lemon, and licorice. 24–36 in. tall (60–90 cm).
- Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora): Known for its savory, spicy, and anise-like flavor. It has pointed green leaves with purple veins and showy purple flowers. Holds up well in stir-fries. 12–18 in. tall (30–45 cm).
- Greek Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. minimum): A compact variety with small leaves and intense flavor. Ideal for containers, pesto, tomato sauces, and pizzas. 8–12 in. tall (20–30 cm).
- Lemon Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. citriodorum): Features narrow, matte green leaves with a fresh lemon-anise taste. Common in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian dishes. Great for seafood, lemonade, and compound butters. 24 in. tall (60 cm).
- Opal Basil: Also called Purple Basil, it boasts glossy, deep-purple leaves with sweet, earthy flavor notes of anise, ginger, and mint. Produces edible lilac-pink flowers. 18 in. tall (45 cm).
- Lettuce Leaf Basil: Known for its large, wrinkled, bright green leaves with a mild, slightly sweet taste. Often used fresh as a salad base. 18–24 in. tall (45–60 cm).
- Cinnamon Basil: A tall variety with smooth, pointed leaves and a spicy, cinnamon-like flavor. Popular in Asian cooking, especially in marinades, rice, and noodles. 24–36 in. tall (60–90 cm).
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
