Basil ‘Purple Ball’ is so pretty that it can be used as a foliage filler in a container or window box alongside brightly colored bedding. It’s a Greek-style variety with small, flavorful purple leaves that naturally grow into a dense ball. This clove-flavored culinary herb is essential for tomato-based dishes and is great for edging veg beds or as a decorative addition to the kitchen window sill. 30cm (12″) in height and spread.
Sowing Information
Sow basil seed from February to June, or sow throughout the year for indoor cultivation out of season. Sow seed on the surface of free draining seed compost and cover with a light sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at a temperature of 15-25C (59-77F) or seal the container inside a polythene bag until after germination, which takes 14-21 days. Keep the compost slightly dry at all times, watering very lightly as seedlings emerge. When they are large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow basil plants on in cooler conditions.
