basil 'Purple Ruffles'

basil

• Position: full sun, sheltered and warm or a sunny windowsill
• Soil: fertile, moist but well drained
• Rate of growth: average
• Flower colour: pinkish-purple
• Hardiness: tender
  
  Decorative as well as tasty and nutritious, the dark purple leaves of this herb have a fringed edge and quilted appearance. Ideal for adding contrasting colour to the kitchen garden, they look wonderful when added to salads or used as a garnish. Pick plants over regularly to prevent bolting (running to seed) and to encourage lots of fresh young leaves.
  
  
• Growing Instructions: Sow seeds into pots of free-draining seed compost on a warm, sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse from late spring. Protect seedlings from slugs and cold and keep well-watered as they grow. Plant out into the herb garden or into roomy pots or troughs from early summer, after all threat of frost has passed, allowing 15-20cm between plants. Pick plants over regularly and remove any developing flowerheads immediately to prevent bolting (running to seed) and to encourage lots of fresh young leaves.
  
  
• Sow: April-June
  
  
• Harvest: July onwards
  
  
• Approximate quantity: 200