History
Red Rubin Basil is one of the most visually striking heirloom herbs you can grow — a deep, jewel-toned purple basil with a rich history rooted in both culinary tradition and ornamental gardening. Developed as an improved selection of Dark Opal Basil, Red Rubin was bred for more uniform, intensely colored foliage and stronger flavor. It earned the prestigious All-America Selections award in 1962 under its predecessor variety, and Red Rubin itself became the refined, more consistent version that home gardeners and chefs have prized ever since. Its dramatic burgundy-purple leaves have made it a fixture in herb gardens, kitchen windowsills, and gourmet kitchens across the country. Open-pollinated and non-GMO, Red Rubin Basil is as beautiful to grow as it is rewarding to cook with.
Plant Profile
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Days to Maturity: 60–70 days
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Plant Size: Bushy, upright plants 18–24 inches tall
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Leaf Color: Deep burgundy-purple — one of the darkest and most uniform purple basils available
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Plant Type: Open-pollinated, non-GMO heirloom
Flavor Profile
Red Rubin Basil delivers a bold, complex flavor that goes beyond standard sweet basil — rich and aromatic with pronounced clove and spice notes layered over the classic basil sweetness. The flavor is slightly more intense than green basil varieties, making it exceptional for infused oils, vinegars, and pestos where you want depth and complexity. Its striking color also transfers beautifully into liquids, turning vinegars and oils a gorgeous deep pink-purple hue. A true dual-purpose herb — stunning in the garden and extraordinary in the kitchen.
Growth Type & Harvest Yields
Red Rubin grows as a vigorous, bushy annual that responds enthusiastically to regular harvesting. Pinch back flower buds as they appear to keep the plant producing lush, flavorful leaves throughout the season. Plants reach 18–24 inches tall and produce abundantly from midsummer through first frost. The more you harvest, the more it grows — a single plant can yield generous quantities of leaves all season long when properly maintained.
Disease Resistance
- Good tolerance to fusarium wilt compared to many sweet basil varieties
- Performs best in warm, well-drained conditions — avoid cold, wet soil
- Susceptible to downy mildew in humid conditions — ensure good air circulation
- Tip: Water at the base of the plant and avoid wetting foliage to reduce disease pressure
Growing Tips & Planting Dimensions
- Spacing: 12–18 inches between plants, rows 18 inches apart
- Sow depth: ¼ inch deep — basil germinates best with light warmth and consistent moisture
- Germination: 5–10 days at soil temps of 65–85°F (optimal 70–75°F)
- Full sun — at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best color and flavor
- Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture — never waterlogged
- Pinch flower buds regularly to extend the harvest season and prevent bolting
- Bring indoors or harvest before first frost — basil is extremely cold-sensitive
When to Plant
Direct sow outdoors after frost danger has passed and soil temperature is above 60°F. Can start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost for an earlier harvest. Basil is extremely frost-sensitive — never transplant until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Find your frost dates and hardiness zone at the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Companion Plants & Mutual Benefits
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Tomatoes — the classic pairing; basil repels aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworm while improving tomato flavor
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Peppers — basil deters aphids and spider mites that commonly affect pepper plants
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Marigolds — combined with basil, create a powerful pest-deterrent border around the garden
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Asparagus — basil repels asparagus beetles; asparagus provides light wind protection for basil
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Avoid planting near: sage and common rue — inhibit basil’s growth
How to Enjoy
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Purple Basil Vinegar: Steep leaves in white wine vinegar for 2 weeks — turns a stunning deep pink and makes an exceptional salad dressing
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Infused Oil: Blend with olive oil for a richly colored, aromatic finishing oil for pasta and bruschetta
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Pesto: Substitute for green basil in pesto for a deeper, spicier flavor and dramatic color
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Cocktails & Mocktails: Muddle leaves into lemonades, spritzers, and cocktails for color and herbal complexity
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Garnish: Use whole leaves as a striking garnish on salads, pizzas, and charcuterie boards
Why Gardeners Love Red Rubin Basil
- One of the deepest, most uniform purple basils you can grow — stunning in the garden and on the plate
- Bold clove-spice flavor that goes beyond standard sweet basil
- Turns vinegars and oils a gorgeous deep pink-purple — a gourmet kitchen staple
- All-America Selections heritage — a proven, award-winning heirloom lineage
- Open-pollinated and non-GMO — save your own seeds year after year
- Doubles as an ornamental — stunning in herb gardens, containers, and borders
Harvest Tips
- Begin harvesting when plants reach 6–8 inches tall — pinch just above a leaf node to encourage branching
- Harvest in the morning after dew has dried for peak flavor and aroma
- Pinch flower buds as soon as they appear — flowering triggers leaf bitterness and reduced production
- Store fresh leaves at room temperature in a glass of water — refrigeration causes blackening
- Dry or freeze excess harvest — leaves dry beautifully and retain their color and flavor
Order Today
Add Red Rubin Basil Seeds to your herb garden this season and grow one of the most beautiful and flavorful basils available. Choose your pack size and begin to grow.
