Greek Basil

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Fragrant and lush from the first pinch, Greek Basil unfurls into a dense mat of aromatic leaves with a cool, bright clove-and-citrus lift.

The foliage is tender yet substantial, forming velvety, medium-to-large leaves that hold their character beautifully from early harvest through peak growth. Grow Greek Basil for bold herbal flavor in fresh garnishes, fragrant sauces, and vibrant pesto-style blends—its signature scent makes every pot and plate feel instantly alive.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 6th
Harvest Begins	Jul 26th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Greek basil’s bright, cool clove-citrus character makes it earn its spot as a finishing herb—stirred in too early, it goes dull. Use it for quick blends and last-minute folds so the leaves stay aromatic and keep that velvety mouthfeel.

Best Uses

tear-and-toss finish on tomatoes, cucumbers, and olive-oil salads
blitz pesto-style purées that stay fragrant (blend quickly, then hold chilled)
make fast herb sauces like basil oil or spoonable pan juices
fold into grain bowls and warm legumes at the last minute

Flavor Profile

cool clove-and-citrus lift lush aromatic sweetness tender, velvety leaf texture

Kitchen Pairings

extra-virgin olive oil lemon zest garlic tomatoes feta cheese grilled chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Ocimum basilicum (Greek basil), and what should I do?

A frequent problem is downy mildew (often seen as yellow patches on upper leaves with gray-purple growth underneath) which spreads quickly in humid weather. Remove and destroy infected leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants, and water at the soil line in the morning to keep foliage dry. If it keeps spreading, treat with a labeled organic fungicide that targets downy mildew and follow the label intervals.

How often should I water Greek basil during peak growth, and what soil moisture level is best?

During the main growth phase, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly between waterings. In warm, full-sun conditions this is often about 1–2 deep waterings per week, but check by finger depth rather than the calendar. Use pots/raised beds with good drainage so excess water can run off quickly.

How do I know when Greek basil (Ocimum basilicum) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are about 6–8 inches tall and have a full set of healthy leaves, typically around day 50. Take sprigs before flowering starts, pinching just above a pair of leaves to encourage branching. If you see flower buds forming, harvest immediately and lightly, because flavor quality drops as basil bolts.