Variegated Basil

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Variegated Basil to a garden.

Fragrant and luminous, Variegated Basil unfurls leaves like small ribbons of deep green edged in creamy, sunlit variegation—an aromatic delight that perfumes the garden air.

The foliage is tender and softly textured, with a bright, classic basil character that shines in fresh bouquets and finishing touches. Grow it for its ornamental charm as much as its flavorful presence in salads, herb blends, and vibrant sauces, and let its lush growth keep your harvest coming through the season.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Variegated Basil

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Variegated Basil Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	May 11th	Jul 20th	Sep 8th – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	May 4th	Jul 13th	Sep 1st – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Apr 24th	Jul 3rd	Aug 22nd – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Apr 24th	Jul 3rd	Aug 22nd – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Apr 28th	Jul 7th	Aug 26th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Apr 24th	Jul 3rd	Aug 22nd – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Apr 22nd	Jul 1st	Aug 20th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Apr 17th	Jun 26th	Aug 15th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Apr 13th	Jun 22nd	Aug 11th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Apr 10th	Jun 19th	Aug 8th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Apr 4th	Jun 13th	Aug 2nd – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 30th	Jun 8th	Jul 28th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Mar 20th	May 29th	Jul 18th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Mar 11th	May 20th	Jul 9th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Mar 2nd	May 11th	Jun 30th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Feb 13th	Apr 24th	Jun 13th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Jan 19th	Mar 30th	May 19th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th

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

This variegated basil carries the familiar basil hit—sweet, fragrant, and fast—so treat it like a finishing herb and you’ll taste the lifted perfume rather than leaf bitterness. Its tender texture is built for quick blending or gentle tearing, where the oils bloom and cling to fats and cheeses.

Best Uses

tear-and-toss fresh salads and green bowls so the oils perfume without turning bitter
whirl into quick herb pistos or green herb butters where the creamy leaves streak through
use as a final chiffonade on hot pasta or roasted vegetables to keep its aroma up front
fold into vinaigrettes and yogurt sauces for a glossy, cooling herbal lift

Flavor Profile

bright, classic basil aromatics gentle sweetness with a clean herbal bite tender, softly textured leaves that bruise fragrant

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon juice Parmesan olive oil fresh mozzarella feta

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Ocimum basilicum (variegated basil), and how can I manage it at home?

Watch for downy mildew and fungal leaf spotting, especially when nights are cool and leaves stay wet. Water basil at the soil line in the morning, space plants for airflow, and remove any yellowing or spotted leaves early. If disease persists, switch to an organic copper-based spray following the label and avoid harvesting wet foliage afterward.

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during the main growing phase (around weeks 3–7)?

Keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist but not soggy—basil in full sun typically needs watering about 2–3 times per week, more often during hot spells. Water deeply until excess drains, then wait until the surface just starts to dry before watering again. In containers, check daily in heat because basil dries faster and stress reduces leaf yield.

How can I tell when Ocimum basilicum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are about 8–10 inches tall and have formed several healthy leaf pairs, typically around 50 days from sowing. Cut just above a pair of leaves to encourage branching, and take no more than one-third of the plant at a time. If flowering begins, pinch the tips promptly since basil leaf quality declines quickly as it sets blossoms.