Sweet Basil

Zone 10a Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Upright

Sweet Basil fills the garden with a bright, sweet-anise fragrance and delivers tender leaves that feel velvety-soft to the touch.…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 19th
Last Frost	Jan 16th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 6th
Harvest Begins	May 5th
Harvest Ends	Dec 19th

Crop Details

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

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil), and how do I treat it?

Sweet basil is especially prone to downy mildew (often showing as yellow patches on top leaves with gray-purple growth on the underside) in humid conditions. Remove and discard affected leaves, improve airflow, and avoid wetting the foliage when watering; if it’s spreading, use a labeled fungicide for downy mildew on herbs and repeat as directed. Basil can also suffer from aphids—blast them off with water and spot-treat with insecticidal soap if needed.

How often should I water sweet basil during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During active growth, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Aim for deep watering so moisture reaches the root zone, then let excess drain; basil in soggy soil is more likely to develop fungal problems. In full sun, expect more frequent watering than springtime containers, especially after plants fill out.

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

Harvest sweet basil once plants are about 6–8 inches tall and have multiple sets of true leaves (around 60 days from sowing, depending on conditions). Start by pinching the tips just above a pair of leaf nodes to encourage branching, and continue harvesting regularly to prevent flowering. If you see flower buds forming, begin harvesting more frequently and plan to pull plants soon after heavy flowering starts.

Sweet Basil fills the garden with a bright, sweet-anise fragrance and delivers tender leaves that feel velvety-soft to the touch. At maturity, its lush, medium-green foliage forms an upright, generous habit—ideal for harvesting repeatedly while the plants stay vigorous through warm weather. Grow Sweet Basil for its signature aromatic punch in classic Italian-style sauces, fresh leaf garnishes, and fragrant pesto-style blends.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Pinch the top sets of leaves early (first 1–2 sets) to encourage branching and a fuller plant.