What Is Osmin Basil – Learn About Basil 'Osmin' Purple Plant Care

Many gardeners would describe basil as a culinary herb with green leaves and a pungent flavor. But while basil leaves are almost always pungent, they definitely don’t have to be green. More than a few varieties are purple.

If you are in the market for a new type of basil, you’ll want to consider Osmin basil plants. What is Osmin basil? It offers that spicy basil flavor but adds to the package extremely ornamental leaves in deepest purple. Read on for more Osmin purple basil information.

What is Osmin Basil?

Osmin basil plants are not the only purple basils, but they definitely stand out from the crowd. Their leaves grow in a true dark maroon color, the deepest purple of any basil plant. The leaves also mature faster than any other purple basils. They are shiny and attractive, as well as spicy, and work well for an edible garnish. But the leaves are not the only ornamental aspect to basil Osmin purple. These basil plants also grow delightful, pink flowers.

Osmin basil plants grow to 18 inches (45.5 cm.) tall and can become quite bushy. If you grow several plants, you’ll want to space them at least a foot (30.5 cm.) apart in your garden to give each one the elbow room it needs to mature.

Growing Osmin Basil Plants

If you decide to start growing Osmin basil, you’ll find that this ornamental herb is just as easy to grow as other basils. Select a full sun location for the fastest growth. Osmin basil plants will also grow in partial sun, but you might not get as lush a crop.

All basil grows best during the warm season, but Osmin basil is surprisingly cold hardy. Osmin basil plants can survive temperatures down to 20 to 30 degrees F. (-7 to -1 degrees C.). It’s still a good idea to plant them outside only after the final spring frost.

How soon after planting can you expect a harvest? According to Osmin purple basil information, this basil matures in about 75 days. In addition, to use as garnishes or for culinary dishes, a deep rose vinegar made from the purple leaves is said to be delicious in salads and marinades.