🌿 How to Grow Purple Basil from Seeds
Common Names:

• Hindi: पर्पल तुलसी / बैंगनी तुलसी

• Tamil: ஊதா துளசி

• Telugu: పర్పుల్ తులసి

• Malayalam: പർപ്പിൾ തുളസി

• Kannada: ಪರ್ಪಲ್ ತುಳಸಿ

• English: Purple Basil

• Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens

1. Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season annual herb

• Best time to sow:

  • February to June in India (can be sown year-round in mild climates)

  • Avoid sowing in cold or frost-prone months

• Ideal temperature: 20°C to 30°C

• Sensitive to cold and frost

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Loose, fertile, and well-draining loam

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Mix in compost or well-rotted manure before sowing

• Avoid soggy or clay-heavy soil

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: Surface sow or cover very lightly (⅛ inch)

• Spacing:

  • Garden: 10–12 inches between plants, 12–18 inches between rows

  • Containers: Use 8–10 inch pots, sow 4–6 seeds per pot

• Press seeds lightly into moist soil

• Optional: Soak seeds for 4–6 hours to aid germination

4. Watering

• Keep soil moist until germination

• After sprouting, water 2–3 times a week

• Avoid overwatering — water only when topsoil feels dry

• Water at base to prevent fungal problems

5. Germination

• Seeds germinate in 5–10 days

• Needs warmth and sunlight for good germination

• Thin seedlings after 2–3 weeks, leaving strongest ones

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Prefers warm, sunny conditions

• Leaves turn more vibrant purple in full sun

7. Fertilization

• Use compost or liquid organic fertilizer every 2–3 weeks

• Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers — leads to more leaves but less flavor

• Well-fed plants produce richer color and aroma

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, fungal mildew

• Spray neem oil + soap every 10–15 days as prevention

• Ensure good airflow and avoid overhead watering

9. Harvesting

• Ready to harvest in 45–60 days

• Snip leaves or tops regularly to encourage bushy growth

• Harvest in the morning for best flavor and color

• Pinch off flower buds to extend leaf production

10. Regrow Tip

• Can be regrown from stem cuttings in water or soil

• Seeds can be saved from dried flower heads for next season

• Purple Basil is an annual — replant each season for fresh leaves

🥗 Health Benefits of Purple Basil

• Rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins

• Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties

• Supports digestion and relieves stress

• Enhances skin and liver health