Black Prince

The Basil variety Black Prince is an annual plant with densely branched stems reaching a height of 30 to 50 cm. Its large oval leaves have a rich dark purple color with a glossy surface and serrated edges. The plant boasts high yield and early maturity—marketability occurs 42-47 days after sowing. The mass of a single plant can reach 300 to 500 grams. Leaves and stems feature a rich clove-pepper aroma with hints of camphor and sharp spicy notes, which are preserved even in dried form.

This basil variety is widely used in cooking due to its unique taste and aroma. Leaves and young shoots are used as fresh and dried seasonings for salads, main courses, pickling, salting, as well as for flavoring cheese, cottage cheese, and baked goods. Black Prince is excellent for home vegetable canning, preparing fish and meat. Additionally, basil stimulates appetite and improves digestion, making it a beneficial addition to the diet.

In terms of agrotechnology, Black Prince basil prefers well-drained loam and sandy-loam soils. Sowing seeds for seedlings is recommended in late March, and in open ground—after the threat of frost, usually in late May or early June, with a distance between plants of 30 by 20 cm. The plant grows well in containers and flower pots, is resistant to diseases and drought. Care involves moderate watering, soil loosening, and fertilization, and after cutting, basil regrows quickly, allowing for multiple harvests per season.