This All America Award winner for 1987 looks remarkably like a miniature perilla. The flower stalk of 6 inches with pink blooms is more dramatic than that of other basils. Like opal basil, it is being marketed as both an ornamental and culinary herb. The flavor is good and the color will certainly add drama to garnishes and herbal vinegars. Imparts a delicate spicy flavor to food and is especially good in soups.
Leaves are smaller than sweet basil but the same color green.
Blooms white in summer. Leaves have a marvelous lemon odor and taste. Should be direct seeded as it dislikes transplanting. Beautiful plant growing to 2'. Stems, leaf veins and flower bracts are deep purple, while the flowers themselves are a pale violet.