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Basil 'Cardinal'

Basil 'Cardinal'

$8.50
$8.50
Growing Zones: Annual
Light: Full Sun
Height: 24-30”
Spacing: 12-14"
Bloom Color: Purple-Red
Shipped Pot Size: 3.25”
Availability: Spring 2026
  • NON-GMO
  • Chimical free
  • 100% Guarantee
  • Culinary
  • Aroma
  • Container
  • Pollinator
  • Indoor
  • Cut
  • Butterfly

  • Basil 'Cardinal' Plants for Sale

    Ocimum basilicum 

    Basil 'Cardinal' is not only a visually stunning addition to your garden or container, but it is also a culinary powerhouse that brings a burst of flavor to your kitchen. With its vibrant purple stems and lush green leaves, this unique variety enhances the aesthetics of your space while enriching your dishes with its aromatic and slightly sweet taste. Picture a delightful blend of cinnamon and clove flavors with subtle hints of anise. Basil 'Cardinal' is more robust than Thai basil and features striking dark purple-red flower bracts.

    This herb thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great addition to a sunny windowsill, patio, or garden bed. With minimal care—such as keeping the soil moist and pruning wisely—you'll encourage lush foliage while preventing the plant from seeding too quickly. 

    Not only does Basil 'Cardinal' offer culinary and aesthetic benefits, but it also attracts pollinators, supporting local ecosystems. Embrace the joy of gardening and enhance your culinary creations by planting Basil 'Cardinal'; it's a choice that promises beauty, flavor, and functionality!

     

  • 🌱 About Basil ‘Cardinal’

    Basil ‘Cardinal’ is a beautiful, ornamental basil with deep green leaves and stunning red flower bracts. It’s great for the garden and for cutting, and the leaves are fragrant and flavorful.

    📍 Best Location

    • 🌞 Full sun: 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
    • 🌡️ Warm weather only: Plant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and nights stay above 50°F (10°C).
    • 🌬️ Sheltered spot: Choose a spot protected from strong winds.

    🪴 Soil & Planting

    • 🌿 Soil type: Light, well‑draining soil.
    • 🌱 Soil quality: Enriched with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer.
    • ⚖️ pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (about 6.0–7.0), but Cardinal basil is quite forgiving.
    • 📏 Spacing: Plant 12–18" apart to allow good air flow and full, bushy growth.

    Planting tips:

    1. Loosen soil 8–10" deep.
    2. Mix in compost before planting.
    3. Plant at the same depth as it was in the pot.
    4. Water well after planting.

    💧 Watering

    • 🚿 Keep evenly moist, not soggy.
    • 💦 Water when the top 1" of soil feels dry.
    • 🌅 Water in the morning so leaves can dry quickly.
    • ⚠️ Avoid wetting the foliage late in the day to reduce disease.

    🍽️ Feeding (Fertilizer)

    • 🌱 Mix compost into the soil at planting time.
    • 🌿 During the season, feed every 3–4 weeks with a mild organic fertilizer or compost tea.
    • ⚠️ Don’t over‑fertilize – too much nitrogen can make plants soft and less flavorful.

    ✂️ Pruning & Pinching

    Basil ‘Cardinal’ loves to be pinched!

    • ✂️ Pinch young plants when they are 6–8" tall to encourage bushy growth.
    • 🌿 Regularly pinch out the growing tips to promote more side branches and leaves.
    • 🌸 Cardinal basil has beautiful flowers. You can:

      Pinch some flower spikes off to keep plants leafy and compact.
      Leave some blooms for color and for pollinators 🐝 (they love them!).

    Tip: When pinching, remove just above a pair of leaves.

    🧺 Harvesting

    • ⏰ Start harvesting when plants are well established and at least 6–8" tall.
    • ✂️ Use clean scissors or pinch stems just above a leaf pair.
    • 🌿 Take a little from each plant rather than stripping one plant heavily.
    • 👍 Regular harvesting keeps plants fuller and more productive.

    For best flavor, harvest in the morning after the dew has dried.

    🥶 Temperature & Season

    • ❄️ Frost will kill basil. Protect from cold nights and sudden cold snaps.
    • 🌡️ Ideal temperatures: 70–90°F (21–32°C).
    • 🍂 As nights cool in fall, growth slows and plants will eventually decline.

    🐞 Pests & Problems

    Watch for:

    • 🐛 Aphids
    • 🐌 Slugs and snails
    • 🦗 Leaf‑chewing insects

    Simple solutions:

    • Spray aphids off with a strong stream of water.
    • Hand‑pick slugs/snails or use organic slug bait if needed.
    • Keep the area around plants weed‑free and tidy.

    Disease prevention:

    • 💨 Give plants space and good air flow.
    • 💧 Water soil, not leaves, whenever possible.
    • 🔁 Avoid growing basil in the same spot every year if you’ve had disease issues.

    🌼 Companion & Use Ideas

    • 🌺 Plant with marigolds, zinnias, or other herbs for a colorful, pollinator‑friendly bed.
    • 🌸 Use the red flower heads in fresh bouquets.
    • 🍽️ Enjoy leaves fresh in salads, pesto, and garnishes.

    ✅ Quick Success Checklist

    • ☀️ Full sun (6–8 hours)
    • 🌡️ Warm weather, no frost
    • 🪴 Well‑draining soil enriched with compost
    • 💧 Water when top inch of soil is dry
    • ✂️ Pinch often for bushy growth and more leaves
    • 🐝 Enjoy the beautiful red flowers and happy pollinators!

    With warmth, sun, and regular pinching, Basil ‘Cardinal’ will reward your customers with lush growth, stunning color, and wonderful fragrance all season long 🌿❤️

  • Here are easy, fun ways to use Basil ‘Cardinal’ once it’s growing in the garden 🌿✨

    🍽️ In the Kitchen


    • 🌿 Fresh garnish:

      Tear leaves and sprinkle over pasta, pizza, grilled veggies, or soups.
      Add to tomato dishes for classic basil flavor.


    • 🥗 Salads:

      Mix a few chopped leaves into green salads or grain bowls.
      Pairs beautifully with tomatoes, mozzarella, and olive oil.


    • 🧄 Herb butter or oil:

      Finely chop leaves and mix with soft butter, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
      Or blend leaves with olive oil and drizzle over bread, fish, or veggies.


    • 🥣 Simple basil sauce:

      Blend basil, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a little salt.
      Use as a quick dressing for pasta, chicken, or roasted vegetables.


    • 🧊 Herb ice cubes:

      Chop leaves, pack into ice cube trays, cover with water or olive oil.
      Freeze and pop cubes into soups, sauces, or stir-fries later.

    🍹 Drinks & Refreshers


    • 🥤 Herb water:

      Add a few leaves to a pitcher of cold water with lemon or cucumber.
      Chill in the fridge for a refreshing garden drink.


    • 🍋 Lemonade twist:

      Lightly bruise a few leaves and add to lemonade or iced tea.


    • 🍹 Mocktails & cocktails:

      Muddle basil with citrus (like lime or lemon) and a bit of sugar.
      Top with sparkling water or your favorite drink base.

    🌸 In the Vase & Around the Home


    • 🌺 Cut flower bouquets:

      Snip flowering stems and mix with zinnias, sunflowers, or roses.
      The red flower heads add color and a light basil scent.


    • 🕯️ Fragrant stems indoors:

      Place a few leafy sprigs in a small jar of water on the kitchen counter.
      Enjoy the fresh, herbal aroma while you cook.

    🌿 In the Garden


    • 🐝 Pollinator magnet:

      Leave some flower spikes on the plant.
      Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators love the blooms.


    • 🌼 Companion planting:

      Plant near tomatoes, peppers, and flowers.
      Cardinal basil adds color and fragrance, and may help attract beneficial insects.

    🧺 Preserving Your Harvest


    • 🍃 Drying leaves:

      Harvest stems, tie in small bunches, and hang upside down in a dry, airy place.
      Once dry, crumble leaves and store in a jar away from light.


    • 🧂 Herb salt:

      Chop basil with coarse salt.
      Spread to dry, then store in a jar and use to season roasted vegetables, meats, or eggs.

    ✅ Quick Ideas List

    • Sprinkle fresh leaves on pasta, pizza, and salads 🍕🥗
    • Make simple basil sauces and herb butters 🍝
    • Infuse water, lemonade, or iced tea 🍋
    • Use flowering stems in bouquets and table arrangements 🌸
    • Attract bees and butterflies by letting some flowers bloom 🐝
    • Dry leaves or make herb salt for use all year long 🧂

    With a few snips here and there, Basil ‘Cardinal’ brings flavor to the kitchen, color to bouquets, and life to the garden all season long 🌿❤️

Description

Basil 'Cardinal' Plants for Sale

Ocimum basilicum 

Basil 'Cardinal' is not only a visually stunning addition to your garden or container, but it is also a culinary powerhouse that brings a burst of flavor to your kitchen. With its vibrant purple stems and lush green leaves, this unique variety enhances the aesthetics of your space while enriching your dishes with its aromatic and slightly sweet taste. Picture a delightful blend of cinnamon and clove flavors with subtle hints of anise. Basil 'Cardinal' is more robust than Thai basil and features striking dark purple-red flower bracts.

This herb thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great addition to a sunny windowsill, patio, or garden bed. With minimal care—such as keeping the soil moist and pruning wisely—you'll encourage lush foliage while preventing the plant from seeding too quickly. 

Not only does Basil 'Cardinal' offer culinary and aesthetic benefits, but it also attracts pollinators, supporting local ecosystems. Embrace the joy of gardening and enhance your culinary creations by planting Basil 'Cardinal'; it's a choice that promises beauty, flavor, and functionality!

 

Growing Tips

🌱 About Basil ‘Cardinal’

Basil ‘Cardinal’ is a beautiful, ornamental basil with deep green leaves and stunning red flower bracts. It’s great for the garden and for cutting, and the leaves are fragrant and flavorful.

📍 Best Location

  • 🌞 Full sun: 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
  • 🌡️ Warm weather only: Plant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and nights stay above 50°F (10°C).
  • 🌬️ Sheltered spot: Choose a spot protected from strong winds.

🪴 Soil & Planting

  • 🌿 Soil type: Light, well‑draining soil.
  • 🌱 Soil quality: Enriched with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer.
  • ⚖️ pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (about 6.0–7.0), but Cardinal basil is quite forgiving.
  • 📏 Spacing: Plant 12–18" apart to allow good air flow and full, bushy growth.

Planting tips:

  1. Loosen soil 8–10" deep.
  2. Mix in compost before planting.
  3. Plant at the same depth as it was in the pot.
  4. Water well after planting.

💧 Watering

  • 🚿 Keep evenly moist, not soggy.
  • 💦 Water when the top 1" of soil feels dry.
  • 🌅 Water in the morning so leaves can dry quickly.
  • ⚠️ Avoid wetting the foliage late in the day to reduce disease.

🍽️ Feeding (Fertilizer)

  • 🌱 Mix compost into the soil at planting time.
  • 🌿 During the season, feed every 3–4 weeks with a mild organic fertilizer or compost tea.
  • ⚠️ Don’t over‑fertilize – too much nitrogen can make plants soft and less flavorful.

✂️ Pruning & Pinching

Basil ‘Cardinal’ loves to be pinched!

  • ✂️ Pinch young plants when they are 6–8" tall to encourage bushy growth.
  • 🌿 Regularly pinch out the growing tips to promote more side branches and leaves.
  • 🌸 Cardinal basil has beautiful flowers. You can:

    Pinch some flower spikes off to keep plants leafy and compact.
    Leave some blooms for color and for pollinators 🐝 (they love them!).

Tip: When pinching, remove just above a pair of leaves.

🧺 Harvesting

  • ⏰ Start harvesting when plants are well established and at least 6–8" tall.
  • ✂️ Use clean scissors or pinch stems just above a leaf pair.
  • 🌿 Take a little from each plant rather than stripping one plant heavily.
  • 👍 Regular harvesting keeps plants fuller and more productive.

For best flavor, harvest in the morning after the dew has dried.

🥶 Temperature & Season

  • ❄️ Frost will kill basil. Protect from cold nights and sudden cold snaps.
  • 🌡️ Ideal temperatures: 70–90°F (21–32°C).
  • 🍂 As nights cool in fall, growth slows and plants will eventually decline.

🐞 Pests & Problems

Watch for:

  • 🐛 Aphids
  • 🐌 Slugs and snails
  • 🦗 Leaf‑chewing insects

Simple solutions:

  • Spray aphids off with a strong stream of water.
  • Hand‑pick slugs/snails or use organic slug bait if needed.
  • Keep the area around plants weed‑free and tidy.

Disease prevention:

  • 💨 Give plants space and good air flow.
  • 💧 Water soil, not leaves, whenever possible.
  • 🔁 Avoid growing basil in the same spot every year if you’ve had disease issues.

🌼 Companion & Use Ideas

  • 🌺 Plant with marigolds, zinnias, or other herbs for a colorful, pollinator‑friendly bed.
  • 🌸 Use the red flower heads in fresh bouquets.
  • 🍽️ Enjoy leaves fresh in salads, pesto, and garnishes.

✅ Quick Success Checklist

  • ☀️ Full sun (6–8 hours)
  • 🌡️ Warm weather, no frost
  • 🪴 Well‑draining soil enriched with compost
  • 💧 Water when top inch of soil is dry
  • ✂️ Pinch often for bushy growth and more leaves
  • 🐝 Enjoy the beautiful red flowers and happy pollinators!

With warmth, sun, and regular pinching, Basil ‘Cardinal’ will reward your customers with lush growth, stunning color, and wonderful fragrance all season long 🌿❤️

Use Them!

Here are easy, fun ways to use Basil ‘Cardinal’ once it’s growing in the garden 🌿✨

🍽️ In the Kitchen


  • 🌿 Fresh garnish:

    Tear leaves and sprinkle over pasta, pizza, grilled veggies, or soups.
    Add to tomato dishes for classic basil flavor.


  • 🥗 Salads:

    Mix a few chopped leaves into green salads or grain bowls.
    Pairs beautifully with tomatoes, mozzarella, and olive oil.


  • 🧄 Herb butter or oil:

    Finely chop leaves and mix with soft butter, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
    Or blend leaves with olive oil and drizzle over bread, fish, or veggies.


  • 🥣 Simple basil sauce:

    Blend basil, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a little salt.
    Use as a quick dressing for pasta, chicken, or roasted vegetables.


  • 🧊 Herb ice cubes:

    Chop leaves, pack into ice cube trays, cover with water or olive oil.
    Freeze and pop cubes into soups, sauces, or stir-fries later.

🍹 Drinks & Refreshers


  • 🥤 Herb water:

    Add a few leaves to a pitcher of cold water with lemon or cucumber.
    Chill in the fridge for a refreshing garden drink.


  • 🍋 Lemonade twist:

    Lightly bruise a few leaves and add to lemonade or iced tea.


  • 🍹 Mocktails & cocktails:

    Muddle basil with citrus (like lime or lemon) and a bit of sugar.
    Top with sparkling water or your favorite drink base.

🌸 In the Vase & Around the Home


  • 🌺 Cut flower bouquets:

    Snip flowering stems and mix with zinnias, sunflowers, or roses.
    The red flower heads add color and a light basil scent.


  • 🕯️ Fragrant stems indoors:

    Place a few leafy sprigs in a small jar of water on the kitchen counter.
    Enjoy the fresh, herbal aroma while you cook.

🌿 In the Garden


  • 🐝 Pollinator magnet:

    Leave some flower spikes on the plant.
    Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators love the blooms.


  • 🌼 Companion planting:

    Plant near tomatoes, peppers, and flowers.
    Cardinal basil adds color and fragrance, and may help attract beneficial insects.

🧺 Preserving Your Harvest


  • 🍃 Drying leaves:

    Harvest stems, tie in small bunches, and hang upside down in a dry, airy place.
    Once dry, crumble leaves and store in a jar away from light.


  • 🧂 Herb salt:

    Chop basil with coarse salt.
    Spread to dry, then store in a jar and use to season roasted vegetables, meats, or eggs.

✅ Quick Ideas List

  • Sprinkle fresh leaves on pasta, pizza, and salads 🍕🥗
  • Make simple basil sauces and herb butters 🍝
  • Infuse water, lemonade, or iced tea 🍋
  • Use flowering stems in bouquets and table arrangements 🌸
  • Attract bees and butterflies by letting some flowers bloom 🐝
  • Dry leaves or make herb salt for use all year long 🧂

With a few snips here and there, Basil ‘Cardinal’ brings flavor to the kitchen, color to bouquets, and life to the garden all season long 🌿❤️

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