{"product_id":"roman-ruby-basil-ocimum-basilicum","title":"Roman Ruby™ Basil - Ocimum basilicum","description":"\u003cp\u003eRoman Ruby Basil (\u003cem\u003eOcimum basilicum\u003c\/em\u003e) is a ruby leafed basil bred by Ozbreed with a stronger flavour than other ruby types, so you can add colour, style and full flavour to the kitchen and the garden. It grows about 30cm high and wide, vigorous and well branched, with large, richly coloured leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStronger than other ruby basils.\u003c\/strong\u003e Ruby types are often mild, and this one carries a stronger, classic basil flavour.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMore Italian flavour.\u003c\/strong\u003e Ozbreed rates it as more Italian in flavour than other basil types.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarge, colourful leaves.\u003c\/strong\u003e The foliage adds colour to a garden bed as well as a plate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVigorous and well branched.\u003c\/strong\u003e A busy habit gives plenty of tips to pick through summer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting grown.\u003c\/strong\u003e Cuttings give strong, consistent flavour from plant to plant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKitchen garden beds.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 25cm to 30cm apart in late spring or summer, in well drained, fertile soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMixed borders.\u003c\/strong\u003e Use it as a colourful, edible filler between greens, where the ruby leaves stand out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePots.\u003c\/strong\u003e A pot of 25cm or more holds one plant, and looks good on a sunny step.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn the kitchen.\u003c\/strong\u003e Use it like ordinary basil, with a touch of colour and stronger flavour. Add it to salads and bakes, make a ruby pesto, or steep leaves in vinegar to colour it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Roman Ruby Basil in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun is best. Plant in late spring or summer, once the soil is warm. Basil is a warm season herb, so in frosty gardens grow it as a summer annual and plant out after the last frost. In frost free gardens it can last more than a season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Well drained, fertile soil or good potting mix suits it. Work compost into the bed before planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep the soil moist, but avoid over watering and waterlogged conditions. In spring, apply a slow release fertiliser or work in compost. Avoid over fertilising, which grows soft, watery leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning and harvest.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick regularly from the tips, taking stems just above a pair of leaves so the plant branches and stays full. Pinch out flower buds to keep the leaves coming. Use leaves fresh, or in vinegar and pesto, because heat dulls the ruby colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list Roman Ruby Basil in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Stock comes from Ozbreed's licensed growers and is grown to order at times, so a size can show as backorder. Order it and we confirm timing with you before anything ships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/edible-plants\"\u003eEdible plants and bush tucker\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/growing-a-successful-fruit-and-vegetable-garden\"\u003eGrowing a successful fruit and vegetable garden\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003ePlants that thrive in pots\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ozbreed\"\u003eSee the full Ozbreed range\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat can I make with it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse it like normal basil in salads and bakes, make a ruby pesto, or add leaves to vinegar to give it colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the colour last when cooked?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeat dulls the ruby colour, so use the leaves fresh or in pesto and vinegar where the colour shows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow far apart should I plant it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant 25cm to 30cm apart. It reaches about 30cm wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"140mm (Pack of 10) (Backorder)","offer_id":67789650624831,"sku":"OCI-BAS-140MM-P10","price":222.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/roman-ruby-basil-ocimum-basilicum.jpg?v=1792193284","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/products\/roman-ruby-basil-ocimum-basilicum","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}