Cardinal Basil resting on a white background.
A vase full of Cardinal Basil blooms with curry in a bowl on light background.
A little boy peeks through a large bouquet of Cardinal Basil in the garden.
A Baker Creek gardener holding a bouquet full of Cardinal Basil.
A Baker Greek gardener holding a giant bouquet of Cardinal Basil.
Cardinal Basil resting on a white background.
A vase full of Cardinal Basil blooms with curry in a bowl on light background.
A little boy peeks through a large bouquet of Cardinal Basil in the garden.
A Baker Creek gardener holding a bouquet full of Cardinal Basil.
A Baker Greek gardener holding a giant bouquet of Cardinal Basil.

Basil Seeds,
Cardinal

4.851 Reviews#HB224 · 35 seeds
Price
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Description

(Ocimum basilicum). This magnificent basil combines dramatic purple flower heads with leaves full of spicy-sweet flavor. The large blooms are excellent for arrangements, adding bold structure and rich color to the cutting garden. In the kitchen, the leaves suit everything from salads and soups to curries and a wide range of Mexican and Asian dishes. A grand, handsome basil that performs beautifully in both vase and skillet.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Ocimum basilicum
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
6–10
Days to Maturity
60–75
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
8–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Transplant seedlings outdoors when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50 F. Alternatively, in regions with warm climates, seeds can be directly sown in the garden after the last frost. If you're unsure of your last frost date, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow Cardinal basil seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays or directly in the garden once the risk of frost has passed. Keep the soil temperature between 70 to 85°F for germination, which takes about 6 to 10 days. Set out seedlings at any size, when warm conditions have arrived. Space them 8 to 12 inches apart to ensure proper airflow. Harden off seedlings over 7 to 10 days before moving them outdoors.

How to Grow

Water Cardinal basil regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost every 2 to 4 weeks to support growth and promote flavorful leaves. Protect plants from pests like aphids and whiteflies using organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.

How to Save Seeds

  • Flower heads mature progressively from the bottom of the stem to the top.
  • When the bottom seed head starts to turn brown, the stem can be cut and allowed to dry away from direct sun in a well-ventilated area.
  • Rub dried raceme over a fine wire mesh and winnow off the chaff.
  • Place chaff in a bowl and carefully swirl contents around. Seeds will gather at the bottom of the bowl.
  • Tip the bowl so that the chaff can be discarded and blow the rest out carefully.

FAQ

Can I use the flowers of Cardinal basil?

Yes, the flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish or added to salads. They also attract pollinators and can be used in floral arrangements.

How do I prevent Cardinal basil from bolting?

Regularly pinch off the tops of the plants to delay flowering and maintain the flavor of the leaves for culinary use. Bolting reduces leaf production and flavor intensity.

Is Cardinal basil drought-tolerant?

While Cardinal basil is somewhat drought-tolerant once established, it performs best with consistent moisture in the soil.

Browse our full range of basil seeds.

Customer reviews

4.8 / 5 51 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Showy purple blooms: Big dark-red flower heads, as good in a vase as in the bed.

  • Heat and drought hardy: Kept going through drought and heat after other basils quit.

  • Disease stays away: Held up where downy mildew and bugs took other basils.

  • Pollinators love it: Bees crowd the blooms, and plants carry on into fall.

  • Heads up: Flavor leans anise, not Genovese; flowers come late in the season.

More to grow!

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