Purple Ruffles Basil

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Position Full Sun
Height 1.2m
Width 50cm
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Description

(Ocimum ‘Purple Ruffles’)

A half-hardy annual with deep purple foliage and soft purple flower spikes that is popular in Asian cooking. .

Flavours/Food Partners

Coriander, Ginger, Dill, other Basil, Chilli, Lime, Coconut. Most quick-cooking vegetables like Asparagus, Sprouts, Snow peas, Broccoli, Bok choi, and Tomatoes.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Spicy flavour that gives unusual fragrance to lightly cooked Asian food. Works well as a coarse chopped addition to stir-fries, salads and steamed vegetables. Harvest regularly; the more you harvest, the more it will produce. Keep warm as well, and you may get 10 months’ worth of Basil. If you have large amounts, blend with olive oil (small amount) and freeze in an ice block tray for year-round fresh basil.

Landscaping/Planting

Prefers a well-drained, sunny position in the garden or in large pots. Can be kept on a sunny kitchen windowsill for easy access. It is a tender plant that needs to be kept warm and will add a strong splash of colour.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Requires regular applications of Seasol and Powerfeed. Enjoys reasonably moist conditions. Remove flower stems as they appear.

Herb Attributes

Position FULL SUN, FROST SENSITIVE
Height 70CM
Width 50CM

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