One of my unstable basils mutated

2026-05-01 03:20 UTC

It’s a Mrihani x Opalescent basil hybrid, I have about two dozen of these started with a variety of mutations. Most of them have mottled green (as well shown by the plant to the left) and all of them have a beautiful metallic purple shimmer to them. This gorgeous seedling is a beautiful example of a whorled phylotaxy, having four leaves per node instead of two. I’m going to try to see if I can get this mutation somewhat stable, as it’s double your basil per basil, and who wouldn’t want that?

Replies (7)

@otter@lemmy.ca 2026-05-01 03:38

Neat > I’m going to try to see if I can get this mutation somewhat stable What does that process look like?

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@Creativity@lemmy.zip 2026-05-01 17:26

That's really interesting. How'd you end up with unstable basil in the first place?

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@otter@lemmy.ca 2026-05-01 05:59

That's really cool, I'm looking forward to future updates :)

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@betterdeadthanreddit@lemmy.world 2026-05-01 06:53

Basil would be a good name for a fictional character who obsessively whacks his weed.

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@betterdeadthanreddit@lemmy.world 2026-05-01 04:27

> this sounds like the log book found in a post-apocalyptic world. Hidden away in a Vault-Tec lab once you slash and burn your way through a tangle of carnivorous vines that consumed the bunker's former residents. Good basil though.

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@Creativity@lemmy.zip 2026-05-02 21:13

Their website has some interesting offerings. Thanks for the tip!

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@Slatlun@lemmy.ml 2026-05-01 03:46

I absolutely want double basil and you're doing awesome stuff. I will watch for more. What kind of turn around can you get on generations with your set up? Having said that (and knowing plat breeding is older than civilization), my first reaction was - this sounds like the log book found in a post-apocalyptic world.

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