Purple ruffles – Ocimum basilicum

Ocimum basilicum belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its aromatic leaves grow in opposite pairs on branching, square stems; small lipped flowers develop along the flowering shoots. Green and purple foliage forms occur, making leaf appearance and aroma useful distinctions within a basil seed assortment. The catalogue average is 700 seeds per gram, a useful reference when comparing bulk quantities.