Amethyst Improved Basil is a purple-leafed Genovese-type basil that brings striking color and full flavor to your garden. This open-pollinated cultivar grows as a compact bush, reaching harvest in just 74 days, and thrives when spaced 4 inches apart. It's a basil that demands attention, with deep purple foliage that commands space in containers or garden beds while delivering the classic basil taste gardeners crave.
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High
10-11
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Moderate
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The deep purple leaves of Amethyst Improved Basil turn heads in any garden setting. This Genovese-type variety delivers both ornamental appeal and culinary substance, maturing quickly at 74 days and responding beautifully to regular harvesting that encourages bushier growth. The compact, bushy habit means you can pack multiple plants into tight spaces without sacrificing productivity.
Amethyst Improved Basil works beautifully in any application where you'd use traditional green basil, but the striking purple leaves add visual drama to fresh dishes, salads, and garnishes. Its Genovese genetics mean it's excellent for pesto, though the purple variety creates a more dramatic sauce with a slightly deeper color. Fresh basil preparations and leafy dishes benefit from both its ornamental presence and full basil flavor.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, planting 1/4 inch deep. Keep soil at 70°F (21°C) for best germination. Transplant seedlings to the field once they have 3 to 4 sets of leaves.
Move seedlings outdoors after they've developed 3 to 4 sets of leaves, spacing them 4 to 8 inches apart for healthy, full plants.
Direct seed by planting seeds 1/4 inch deep at 2 to 3 seeds per inch in rows 18 inches apart. Firm soil over the seeds. Thinning is not necessary, though final spacing of 4 to 8 inches apart produces the healthiest plants.
Harvest in the early morning when temperatures are cooler and leaves are less likely to wilt. Begin with light harvesting once plants are established, then move to fuller harvests before the plants start to flower. For maximum regrowth and productivity, cut the entire plant 4 to 6 inches above the ground. Handle leaves carefully during picking, as they bruise easily.
Begin with light harvesting once plants have become established, removing leaves carefully to avoid bruising. When ready for a full harvest, cut the entire plant 4 to 6 inches above the ground to promote vigorous second growth. This aggressive cutting encourages the bushy habit and extends your harvest season.
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