Herb Basil Purple Ball (Vegetable of the Year)
€5.50
Basil Purple Ball from Thompson & Morgan is a compact and ornamental basil variety that combines beauty with delicious culinary uses. This unique herb features neat, rounded plants with small, glossy, deep-purple leaves that add an elegant splash of colour to gardens, patio pots, or herb beds. Its rich, slightly spicy flavour makes it a perfect addition to salads, pasta dishes, sauces, or even as a striking garnish.
Unlike larger basil varieties, Purple Ball maintains its tidy, bushy shape without the need for constant pruning, making it ideal for small spaces and container gardening. Its vibrant foliage is complemented by tiny purple flowers, making it not only practical but also a stunning decorative feature for your garden.
Sowing Instructions:
Sow Purple Ball seeds indoors from March to May. Fill seed trays or pots with a fine, free-draining seed compost, and sow the seeds thinly on the surface. Cover lightly with compost or vermiculite and keep at a temperature of 20-25°C. Water gently and ensure the compost stays moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days.
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or directly into their final position after hardening off. If planting outdoors, wait until the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil or grow in containers filled with multi-purpose compost.
Growing Tips:
Regularly pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and prolong the harvest. Water plants consistently, especially during hot weather, but avoid letting them sit in waterlogged conditions. For continuous harvests, sow seeds every 3-4 weeks throughout the growing season.
Harvesting:
Begin harvesting leaves when the plant has developed a good number of mature leaves, typically 6-8 weeks after sowing. Picking regularly will encourage new growth and maintain the plant’s neat shape.
With its compact form, vibrant purple leaves, and versatile flavour, Basil Purple Ball is a must-have for gardeners seeking an herb that’s both functional and decorative.
Unlike larger basil varieties, Purple Ball maintains its tidy, bushy shape without the need for constant pruning, making it ideal for small spaces and container gardening. Its vibrant foliage is complemented by tiny purple flowers, making it not only practical but also a stunning decorative feature for your garden.
Sowing Instructions:
Sow Purple Ball seeds indoors from March to May. Fill seed trays or pots with a fine, free-draining seed compost, and sow the seeds thinly on the surface. Cover lightly with compost or vermiculite and keep at a temperature of 20-25°C. Water gently and ensure the compost stays moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days.
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or directly into their final position after hardening off. If planting outdoors, wait until the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil or grow in containers filled with multi-purpose compost.
Growing Tips:
Regularly pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and prolong the harvest. Water plants consistently, especially during hot weather, but avoid letting them sit in waterlogged conditions. For continuous harvests, sow seeds every 3-4 weeks throughout the growing season.
Harvesting:
Begin harvesting leaves when the plant has developed a good number of mature leaves, typically 6-8 weeks after sowing. Picking regularly will encourage new growth and maintain the plant’s neat shape.
With its compact form, vibrant purple leaves, and versatile flavour, Basil Purple Ball is a must-have for gardeners seeking an herb that’s both functional and decorative.
