Sultana

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Aromatic and luminous, Sultana Thai Basil fills the garden with a sweet, spicy perfume—cool anise-coolness meeting warm clove and citrus-green brightness.

At maturity, its tender leaves form an upright, branching habit with a satiny sheen and a gently serrated edge, offering a delicate bite that shines in fresh applications and quick stir-ins, as well as fragrant sauces and herb-forward garnishes. Grow Sultana for a steady harvest rhythm and a bold, unmistakable basil character that elevates every bowl it graces.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Upright

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 11th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 6th
Harvest Begins	Jul 21st
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Sultana Thai basil is built for late heat—its cool anise and clove warmth stay luminous when you treat it like a finisher, not a simmering ingredient. Chop finely and scatter generously: the tender leaf gives that satiny, gently serrated bite that perfumes whatever it touches.

Best Uses

quick stir-ins at the end of a wok so the anise-citrus stays bright
Thai-style herb garnish on noodles and grilled proteins
fast blitzed basil-citrus oil or fragrant pesto-style sauce
muddled into cold drinks or syrups where its perfume cuts sweetness

Flavor Profile

sweet-spicy basil aroma cool anise-citrus lift clove-like warmth tender leaf bite

Kitchen Pairings

lime garlic chili fish sauce coconut milk lemongrass

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases most often hit Ocimum basilicum (sultana basil), and how can I manage them at home?

The most common issues are downy mildew (yellow spots on top with fuzzy growth underneath) and aphids that cluster on new shoots. Remove infected leaves early and avoid overhead watering; water at the base in the morning to keep foliage dry. For aphids, spray with a strong stream of water and repeat every 2–3 days for about a week, or use insecticidal soap if colonies persist.

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture target should I aim for?

During active growth, keep soil consistently lightly moist—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly between waterings. In full sun, this usually means watering every 2–4 days, but adjust so the plant never sits in soggy soil. If basil wilts and stems droop but the soil is still damp, reduce watering immediately to prevent root stress and fungal problems.

When is Ocimum basilicum ready to harvest (and how do I harvest to keep plants producing)?

Harvest when plants are about 6–8 weeks old and just before flowering, typically around day 45, when leaves are fully sized and the plant has multiple sets of leaves. Pinch or cut above a leaf pair (don’t harvest too low), taking no more than about one-third of the plant at a time. Regular harvesting encourages branching, so you’ll get more leaf growth over the next several weeks.