Red Basil is a striking variation of sweet basil, distinguished by its deep purple-red leaves and robust flavour. It is widely cultivated for its culinary appeal, ornamental beauty and beneficial garden properties.
Unlike traditional green basil, Red Basil boasts vibrant burgundy leaves with a rich, slightly spicy and anise-like flavour. Its aromatic foliage adds a striking contrast to gardens and dishes alike.
A healthy live Red Basil seedling approximately 15–20 cm tall including the root system, ready for transplanting or regular harvesting.
Approx. 15–20 cm including root system
Deep purple-red to burgundy foliage
Harvest regularly throughout the growing season
Rich, slightly spicy and anise-like
Chew a few leaves to help neutralise odours
Supports tomatoes, peppers and lettuce
Characteristics
Its flavour is slightly spicy, rich and anise-like, making it a standout alternative to traditional green basil.
The colourful foliage also makes it ideal for garnishing, edible displays and ornamental herb gardens.
Culinary Uses
Salads: Adds a peppery kick and a splash of colour.
Pestos & sauces: Creates a unique variation of classic basil-based condiments.
Infused vinegars & oils: Enhances dressings and marinades with flavour and colour.
Cocktails & garnishes: A beautiful addition to drinks and plated dishes.
Italian, Thai & Mediterranean cuisine: Perfect for pastas, curries and fresh summer dishes.
Success Checklist
| Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Plant in a warm, sunny position | Supports strong colour, flavour and healthy leaf growth. |
| Use fertile, well-drained soil | Encourages lush, aromatic foliage and strong roots. |
| Keep moisture consistent | Prevents stress and keeps leaves tender for harvesting. |
| Pinch growing tips regularly | Encourages bushier growth and delays flowering. |
| Harvest often | The more you pick, the more fresh leafy growth the plant produces. |
Nutritional Benefits
Like green basil, it contains aromatic compounds valued for anti-inflammatory properties and may support digestion and immunity as part of a balanced diet.
Companion Planting
It may help repel pests such as aphids and mosquitoes, while also attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
It is especially useful near tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and other warm-season crops.
Pest & Care Notes
Common issues: early flowering, woody stems, poor colour from low light and stress from inconsistent watering.
Best defence: full sun, warm conditions, steady moisture, regular harvesting and good airflow.
Pinch the growing tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and more flavourful leaves. Harvest often — the more you pick, the more Red Basil will produce.
We are a proudly Australian-owned family business dedicated to providing high-quality seedlings, seeds, fruit trees, native plants, and indoor ornamentals. We offer express shipping to SA, VIC, QLD, and NSW, with local delivery and pickups available by arrangement. Unfortunately, due to restrictions, we are unable to send to TAS, WA, or NT. For OH&S and biosecurity reasons, farm tours and direct purchases are not available, and pickups can only be made at our farm gate entrance. We deeply value our loyal customers and thank you for your continued support.
Red Basil is a striking variation of sweet basil, distinguished by its deep purple-red leaves and robust flavour. It is widely cultivated for its culinary appeal, ornamental beauty and beneficial garden properties.
Unlike traditional green basil, Red Basil boasts vibrant burgundy leaves with a rich, slightly spicy and anise-like flavour. Its aromatic foliage adds a striking contrast to gardens and dishes alike.
A healthy live Red Basil seedling approximately 15–20 cm tall including the root system, ready for transplanting or regular harvesting.
Approx. 15–20 cm including root system
Deep purple-red to burgundy foliage
Harvest regularly throughout the growing season
Rich, slightly spicy and anise-like
Chew a few leaves to help neutralise odours
Supports tomatoes, peppers and lettuce
Characteristics
Its flavour is slightly spicy, rich and anise-like, making it a standout alternative to traditional green basil.
The colourful foliage also makes it ideal for garnishing, edible displays and ornamental herb gardens.
Culinary Uses
Salads: Adds a peppery kick and a splash of colour.
Pestos & sauces: Creates a unique variation of classic basil-based condiments.
Infused vinegars & oils: Enhances dressings and marinades with flavour and colour.
Cocktails & garnishes: A beautiful addition to drinks and plated dishes.
Italian, Thai & Mediterranean cuisine: Perfect for pastas, curries and fresh summer dishes.
Success Checklist
| Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Plant in a warm, sunny position | Supports strong colour, flavour and healthy leaf growth. |
| Use fertile, well-drained soil | Encourages lush, aromatic foliage and strong roots. |
| Keep moisture consistent | Prevents stress and keeps leaves tender for harvesting. |
| Pinch growing tips regularly | Encourages bushier growth and delays flowering. |
| Harvest often | The more you pick, the more fresh leafy growth the plant produces. |
Nutritional Benefits
Like green basil, it contains aromatic compounds valued for anti-inflammatory properties and may support digestion and immunity as part of a balanced diet.
Companion Planting
It may help repel pests such as aphids and mosquitoes, while also attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
It is especially useful near tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and other warm-season crops.
Pest & Care Notes
Common issues: early flowering, woody stems, poor colour from low light and stress from inconsistent watering.
Best defence: full sun, warm conditions, steady moisture, regular harvesting and good airflow.
Pinch the growing tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and more flavourful leaves. Harvest often — the more you pick, the more Red Basil will produce.
We are a proudly Australian-owned family business dedicated to providing high-quality seedlings, seeds, fruit trees, native plants, and indoor ornamentals. We offer express shipping to SA, VIC, QLD, and NSW, with local delivery and pickups available by arrangement. Unfortunately, due to restrictions, we are unable to send to TAS, WA, or NT. For OH&S and biosecurity reasons, farm tours and direct purchases are not available, and pickups can only be made at our farm gate entrance. We deeply value our loyal customers and thank you for your continued support.
Testimonials
QPS offers a wide selection of high-quality seedlings, including herbs, vegetables, and ornamental plants. They are known for their robust health and diverse variety, catering to all gardening preferences. With careful packaging and clear care instructions, Quality plants & seedlings ensures their plants arrive in good condition. They prioritise customer service and sustainability, making them a trusted choice for gardeners of all levels aiming to create thriving gardens.
Choosing QPS for my certified organic seeds was a game-changer for my garden. The variety of herbs, vegetables, and ornamental plants available exceeded my expectations, all grown with meticulous organic practices. The seeds arrived promptly and were clearly labeled with planting instructions, making the process smooth and stress-free. I've been impressed with the high germination rates and the healthy growth of the plants, reflecting QPS's commitment to quality. For anyone looking to start or expand an organic garden, QPS is my go-to choice for reliable, sustainable seeds.
Sourcing wholesale indoor plants from QPS has been a fantastic experience for my projects as a landscape designer. Their extensive selection of indoor plants is of exceptional quality, perfect for creating vibrant interior spaces. Each plant arrives well-packaged and in excellent condition, reflecting QPS's attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction. Their competitive wholesale pricing makes them a preferred supplier for large-scale projects. I highly recommend Quality Plants & Seedlings to fellow professionals and enthusiasts seeking reliable, top-notch indoor plants for their designs.
Choosing QPS for seedlings at our school has been a great decision. Their diverse range includes everything from vegetables to ornamental plants, all nurtured with care using organic practices. The seedlings arrived promptly and were well-packaged with clear instructions, making them easy for students to handle and plant. We've been pleased with the robust health and rapid growth of the plants, which has enhanced our educational gardening initiatives. QPS's commitment to quality and sustainability makes them an ideal choice for schools looking to cultivate a green thumb in students.
