Red Holy Basil

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Fragrant as a warm breeze—Red Holy Basil carries a rich, clove-tinged basil aroma with a distinctly deep, wine-red undertone that lingers in the air.

Leaves are tender and softly textured, with a vivid burgundy sheen that deepens as plants mature, offering a lush, upright habit that’s as beautiful as it is aromatic. Ideal for fresh aromatic use and for infusing oils, vinegars, and flavorful sauces, this variety brings its signature red personality to every pot and patio garden.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Red Holy Basil

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 13th
Harvest Begins	Aug 12th
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

Red Holy Basil hits with that basil-bright snap plus a clove-warm undercurrent, so it behaves best as a late-add or infusion rather than a long-cooked herb. Its tender leaf texture and lingering aroma make it especially good when you want an herbal “presence” without losing it to heat.

Best Uses

tear-and-finish on tomato-free dishes where it can stay the lead aromatic
short-steep infusions for red-hued basil oil or vinegar (avoid long heat that mutes the clove note)
blending into pesto-style sauces for a darker, spicier aromatic profile
brushing into quick pan sauces and finishing near the end for maximum perfume

Flavor Profile

clove-tinged basil aroma peppery, slightly resinous bite tender, softly textured leaves fragrant lingering finish with a warm, herbal heat

Kitchen Pairings

garlic ginger lemongrass chili olive oil white miso

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Ocimum tenuiflorum (red holy basil), and how can I treat it?

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is prone to leaf fungal spots when foliage stays wet and airflow is poor. At the first sign of spotting, remove affected leaves, water at the soil line, and thin plants so leaves dry quickly; improve airflow around the crown. If spotting spreads, use a labeled copper-based fungicide and reapply according to the label after 5–7 days.

How often should I water red holy basil during the main growing phase?

During active growth, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil lightly moist but never waterlogged—typically this means watering about once every 2–4 days depending on heat and container size. Aim for deep watering that penetrates the root zone, then let the soil surface dry slightly before the next watering. Consistent moisture supports leaf production, while soggy soil can trigger root stress and leaf diseases.

How do I tell when Ocimum tenuiflorum is ready to harvest?

Harvest starting around 45–60 days when plants are well branched and have strong leaf growth, continuing as long as new shoots are forming. Pick the top 6–8 inches of growth (or pinch off stem tips) before flowers open for the best leaf flavor and aroma. If you see buds forming and the plant starts redirecting energy to flowering, begin harvesting more selectively to avoid reducing regrowth.