Purple Basil
Aromatto Basil transforms the humble herb garden into a fragrant showcase, offering both aromatic leaves and colorful edible flowers that elevate bouquets and bedding displays alike. This bush-type cultivar takes 75-80 days to reach harvest, producing full, healthy plants when spaced just 4 inches apart. Open-pollinated and reliable, it bridges the gap between culinary herb and ornamental beauty, making every corner of the garden both functional and stunning.
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This remarkable basil variety stands out for its dual-purpose nature, delivering both the classic basil fragrance gardeners love and vibrant edible flowers that add unexpected color to cut flower arrangements. Its compact bush habit makes it perfect for tight spacing in herb gardens or as colorful bedding plants, while the flowers provide a delightful twist for both cooking and bouquet making. The combination of aromatic foliage and decorative blooms makes Aromatto an unusually versatile addition to any garden.
Aromatto excels as both a culinary herb and decorative element, with its aromatic leaves perfect for traditional basil applications while the colorful edible flowers add visual appeal to salads, garnishes, and fresh bouquets. The flowers shine particularly in cut flower arrangements, bringing unexpected color and fragrance to indoor displays, while also serving as striking bedding plants that blur the line between ornamental and edible gardening.
Start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost date, planting 1/4 inch deep and maintaining soil temperature at 70°F for optimal germination. Transplant seedlings outdoors when they have developed 3-4 sets of leaves.
Transplant seedlings when they have 3-4 sets of leaves, spacing plants 4-8 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart after soil has warmed following the last frost.
Direct seed in spring when soil has warmed after the last frost, sowing 2-3 seeds per inch in rows 18 inches apart. Firm soil over seeds to prevent them from working upward during heavy rains.
Harvest in the early morning when temperatures are cooler and leaves are less likely to wilt. For fresh flowers, harvest when blooms have just begun to open. For dried flowers, wait until they are completely open before cutting and air drying. Handle leaves and flowers carefully as they bruise easily during picking.
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