Purple Ball Basil | Ocimum basilicum | Very Aromatic Basil

Purple Ball Basil is a unique, highly aromatic basil variety with tiny deep-purple leaves forming a naturally compact, perfectly rounded plant. This decorative herb combines outstanding ornamental beauty with excellent culinary quality, making it ideal for herb gardens, patio containers, balcony boxes and modern edible landscapes.

Awarded a Fleuroselect Gold Medal for originality and appearance, Purple Ball stands out thanks to its intense colour, dense globe-shaped growth, and excellent performance in warm, sunny conditions. The richly coloured foliage adds contrast to mixed plantings while providing fragrant leaves for cooking and fresh use.

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum
• Common name: Purple Ball Basil
• Plant type: Annual herb
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Growth habit: Compact, naturally spherical
• Leaf colour: Deep purple
• Aroma: Strong, sweet aromatic basil fragrance
• Flower colour: Small purple tubular flowers
• Height: 25–30 cm
• Spread: 25–30 cm
• Pot size: 8–15 cm
• Plants per pot: 1–3 plants (15 cm pot or larger)
• Exposure: Full sun
• Water needs: Low to moderate (drought tolerant once established)

Why Grow Purple Ball Basil

• Unique globe-shaped basil with intense purple foliage
• Very aromatic with excellent culinary flavour
• Perfect combination of ornamental and edible plant
• Performs well in sunny, warm conditions
• Drought tolerant and easy to grow
• Ideal for patio pots, balcony boxes, borders and kitchen gardens

Sowing & Germination

• Sowing: Indoors or direct sow in pots
• Germination time: 5–7 days
• Germination temperature: 20–22°C
• Sowing depth: Surface sow, do not cover with vermiculite
• Plug size: 288–128 recommended
• Seeds per cell: 3–5

Direct sowing possible:

• 9 cm pot: 15–20 seeds
• 15 cm pot: around 30 seeds

Keep growing medium evenly moist during germination (high humidity preferred).

Growing Information

Purple Ball basil prefers high light and warm temperatures for best shape and colour.

• Start temperature: 18–20°C
• After rooting: 15–18°C
• Growing media: Light, porous, well-drained
• pH: 6.0–6.2
• Fertilization: Balanced N:P:K fertilizer, calcium-based preferred
• Crop time: 8–10 weeks (small pots)
• Finish time: 10–12 weeks (larger containers)

Allow the surface of the soil to dry slightly between watering. Avoid wet foliage at night and ensure good air circulation.

Care & Maintenance

• Pinching is not required, though regular harvesting encourages fresh regrowth.
• Common pests: aphids, snails
• Common disease: Botrytis (avoid excess moisture)

Uses

• Culinary herb for salads, tomato dishes, meats, fish and vegetables
• Decorative edible plant
• Patio containers and balcony boxes
• Border filler in ornamental beds