Having a ball with herbs? Ocimum basilicum Purple Ball displays a unique, crowded ball form in purple basil. This aromatic annual has highly original, small purple leaves and small, tubular purple flowers. Purple Ball thrives in sunny, warm weather and is drought resistant. The eye-catching purple foliage is a surprising filler for balcony boxes, but also looks stunning in pots and in border beds. Purple Ball, a highly decorative Ocimum basilicum for the kitchen, patio and garden.

In detail

Fleuroselect trials have been opened up to test patio ornamentals and Purple Ball is the first winner in this new category. “Original”, “different” and “unique” are some of the comments coming from the Fleuroselect judges’ report. High scores were awarded for originality and colour/leaf appearance. Fleuroselect is proud to welcome Ocimum basilicum Purple Ball as the first Gold Medal winner in patio ornamentals.

Market value

A purple, ball-formed basil, now that’s something different. The brand new colour and attractive form will encourage growers to include Purple Ball in their production schemes. Retailers can promote both the ornamental and culinary value of this wonderful herb and thanks to its compact structure, this Ocimum basilicum is easy to transport. This captivating beauty will convince consumers as it can either be a surprising decorative pot in the kitchen or a unique filler in balcony boxes and flower beds. Purple Ball, the latest must-have in culinary herbs!

Background information

Basil is a common name for the herb Ocimum basilicum of the family Lamiaceae. It is a half-hardy annual plant, best known as a culinary herb prominently featured in Italian cuisine. Depending on the species and cultivar, the leaves may taste somewhat like aniseed, with a strong, pungent, often sweet smell. With Purple Ball, the NARIC Fruitculture Research Institute has created a unique, ball-formed Ocimum basilicum with extraordinary deep purple foliage.