Basil 'Red Rubin'   

Red Rubin is a variety of Basil which is a member of the Ocimum family. Its botanical name is Ocimum basilicum 'Red Rubin'. Blooms normally display as a colour very similar to   Lavender gray. Leaves usually appear in   Tyrian purple colour.

Red Rubin is an variety of large leaf basil that produces deep red-purple leaves. It tends to have a stronger flavour than most other sweet basils, and its usual colour makes it an interesting addition to any herb or ornamental garden. Produces light pink flowers in the summer. Great for use in salads and garnishes.

Red Rubin is an improved variety of Dark opal basil

India is thought to be the country of origin for Red Rubin.

Red Rubin Basil is normally fairly low maintenance and quite easy to grow, as long as a level of basic care is provided throughout the year. Being aware of the basic soil, sun and water preferences will result in a happier and healthier plant.

This plant info is provided by the myfolia gardener's wiki. All details about Basil 'Red Rubin' have been kindly provided by our members.

• Pinch or cut the leaves off as required, but always from the top. Try to thin out to keep only the strongest plants.
• If growing Basil in containers or indoor pots then add a small amount of fertilizer every month or so.
• Water every week (more often if growing in outdoor containers or indoors).
• When watering, make sure to water at the base of the plant avoiding showering the leaves and stems.

Red Rubin basil needs to be grown in full sun in warm, well-drained soil – sprinkle a thin amount of seed in your container or garden bed then cover thinly with finely sieved compost and keep the soil moist but not water logged.

By our calculations, you should look at sowing Red Rubin about 20 days before your last frost date.

All basils, including Red Rubin are tender annuals which are easy to grow, but are very susceptible to cold weather. They should be planted in late spring after all danger of frost is past. Can be grown in containers in full sun.

By our calculations, you should look at planting out Red Rubin about 21 days after your last frost date.

Try to harvest leaves before any flowering occurs, or they will taste bitter.

These estimates for how long Basil 'Red Rubin' takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world. Start logging and journaling your observations to participate!

Folia's when to plant Basil 'Red Rubin' estimates are relative to your last frost date. Enter your frost dates and we'll calculate your sowing and planting dates for you!

The word basil means “king” in Greek – it is believed to have grown above the spot where St. Constantine and Helen discovered the Holy Cross.

Jewish folklore says that basil adds strength while fasting.