Newton

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Fragrant as a warm summer breeze, Newton Italian Basil fills the garden with a vivid, sweet-anise lift and a clean, green snap.

Leaves are tender and richly textured, forming an upright, lush mound that’s ideal for fresh use—its aromatic character shines in pesto-style sauces and bright finishing blends. Grow Newton for a steady harvest of fragrant foliage from early summer through the season’s peak.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 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 20th
Harvest Begins	Aug 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
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

Newton Italian Basil leans into a sweet-anise perfume with a crisp green bite, so it really earns its keep when added fresh or blended briefly. Use it as a finisher—overcooking turns that aromatics-forward snap into something flat and hollow.

Best Uses

pesto-style blitzes where the flavor stays fragrant (blend quickly, don’t overheat)
tear-and-toss salads or warm greens as a last-minute shower
compound butter stirred for grilling and quick pan-sears
chopped finishing herb for pasta, rice, or bean dishes at the end

Flavor Profile

sweet-anise basil aroma clean green snap tender, lightly chewy leaves bright, fragrant finish

Kitchen Pairings

parmesan garlic olive oil lemon juice fresh mozzarella pine nuts

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Ocimum basilicum (basil) and how can I control it?

Watch for downy mildew and Fusarium wilt in basil, especially in humid weather or when leaves stay wet. Improve airflow by spacing plants, water the soil (not the foliage), and remove any yellowing or spotted leaves early. If problems spread, start over with fresh seed in clean soil and avoid replanting basil in the same spot for at least a season.

How often should I water sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) during peak growth?

During the main growing phase, water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, aiming for evenly moist—not soggy—soil. In hot weather this may be about 1–2 times per week, but adjust based on container size and rainfall. Consistently wet soil promotes stem/root issues, while letting it dry out too long can stunt growth and reduce leaf quality.

How do I know when Ocimum basilicum is ready to harvest (around 60 days)?

Harvest when plants are about 6–8 inches tall and have multiple sets of mature leaves, typically around 60 days from germination. Pick by snipping just above a pair of leaves to encourage branching, rather than cutting single stems down to the base. If you see flower buds forming, harvest frequently because leaf flavor declines as basil switches to flowering.