Purple Ruffles

Purple Ruffles is a striking ornamental-culinary basil and an All-America Selections winner in 1987, developed for its deep purple, heavily ruffled and fringed foliage. It offers a milder, slightly spicy basil flavor along with dramatic dark color that makes it popular for garnishes, colorful pestos, and infused vinegars, where it lends a rosy pink hue. Purple Ruffles is an open-pollinated variety that adds ornamental value to herb and flower gardens alike. It tends to be a bit more delicate and slower growing than green sweet basils and can revert or vary in color from seed. Its bold appearance and edible use make it a dual-purpose garden favorite.