Annual / Perennial [1]
Genus: Ocimum Species: basilicum
Variety: Green Ruffles
Open Pollinated
Full Sun
Soil pH 5.5 to 6.5
Hardiness zones 3 to 9 as Annual 10+ as a perennial
Days to Germination: 7 to 14 days [2]
Days to Maturity: 65 to 70 days [2]
Foliage Color: Deep Green
Bloom Color: pinkish-purple / lavender
Plant Height: up to 24 inches [2]
Frost Sensitive – Don’t plant it too early in the spring.
Green Ruffles is a variety of Lettuce Leaf Basil . It has deep green foliage that is serrated, almost to a point. The plants grow upwards of a foot tall give or a take an inch or two either way.
The flavor is more complex than most basils with multiple tones cinnamon, citrus, anise and so forth. The aesthetically appealing leaves are tasty as well as aromatic. It is not a bad idea to allow a few to go to seed as the flowers attract bees and pollinators and are visually appealing to people.
The leaves work well in any recipe that calls for Basil, particularly pesto.
Notes
1. Basil can be grown as a perennial only in USDA hardiness zones 10 and higher, Elsewhere, it is a tender annual that will die off with the first cool weather if not transported indoors.
2. Some variation among specific cultivars
Basic Care of Basil
Water – Basil requires ample and persistent water. Mulch to retain moisture in warm weather is advisable.
Delicate flowers on Basil are attractive however they are a sign your plant is going to seed and production will decline at this point. If you are not looking to harvest seeds, you should pinch off any flower stems as they appear.
Temperature – Basil thrives in warm temperatures and heat. It will turn black and die off in temperatures approaching the mid 30s F. Temperatures should be at the very least in the 70s around the clock.
Optimal Growth Temperature 65 to 85°F
Germination Temperature 70 to 75°F
Pests and Disease
Problems
Basil has some enemies, Beetles, particularly Japanese Beetles, love Basil as much as people do and have been known to completely skeletonize whole plants. Aphids are also a problem at times. Most varieties are also subject to various plant diseases such as black spot, gray mold and fusarium wilt.