Basil – Red Rubin (500 seeds)

Basil – Red Rubin

Ocimum basilicum

Basil 'Red Rubin' is one of the most consistently and deeply coloured purple basils available, producing large, smooth, reddish-purple leaves with darker stems and a stronger, more intense flavour than standard sweet basil. Developed in Denmark in the 1980s as an improvement on Dark Opal basil, it delivers outstanding culinary and ornamental value in equal measure. The beautiful lavender-pink flowers are also edible, excellent in teas, as a garnish, or added to salads, and the leaves make a stunning flavoured vinegar with a rich crimson hue.

Compact and bushy, 'Red Rubin' grows to 30–60 cm and thrives in warm, sunny conditions with fertile, well-drained soil. Pinch out flower heads as they appear to extend the leaf harvest and encourage dense, productive growth. Use leaves sparingly in cooking as the flavour is noticeably more pungent than classic green basil.

Planting Season: Spring, Summer
Sow: Indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost; transplant after frost risk passes
Spacing: 20–30 cm apart
Height: 30–60 cm; compact and bushy
Germination: 5–10 days at 21–24°C
Harvest: 70 days; pick leaves regularly and pinch out flower heads
Flavour: Strong, aromatic, and intense; more pungent than sweet basil

500 seeds