Basil Dark Opal dark, seeds Siberian garden 0.5g

One of the best varieties of purple basil with a rich aroma and special decorative effect. Originally from Italy, it is also called Large Purple Sweet Basil. The plant is 40-60 cm tall, well leafy, with large dark purple aromatic leaves, rich in essential oils and carotene. Looks great in dishes in combination with green types of basil. Basil leaves are eaten fresh and dried. They are used in the preparation of pasta dishes, in vegetable salads, in meat and fish dishes, for flavoring pickles and canned vegetables. Basil perfectly complements the dishes of beans, peas, beans, tomatoes, spinach and sauerkraut. Vinegar with basil leaves adds a spicy flavor to salads and white sauces. Chopped leaves can also be added to cottage cheese, butter, omelets and crab salad. Basil leaves contain a large amount of essential oils that are bactericidal. Basil raises the general tone, has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract – stimulates digestion, stimulates appetite, a decoction of the leaves is used for coughing. The culture is thermophilic, grown through seedlings, or directly by sowing into the ground in well-heated soil, at an optimal temperature of +20 – +25 degrees. Seedlings appear in 10-15 days. Placed on light, organic-rich soils. Needs moisture, especially during seed germination and before flowering. In the middle lane, basil is best grown in areas protected from northern winds. Greens are removed at the time of flowering, at this time it is most fragrant and useful. The plant is cut at a height of 10-12 cm from the soil surface. The green mass is dried in the shade in a well-ventilated place. When dried in the sun, color, aroma and taste are lost. After the first mass harvesting of greens, it is necessary to feed the crops of the basil and then in the fall, even before the onset of frost, you will get a second harvest of fragrant greens.