Pistou

Basil

Zone 10a Save Garden

🌱 50d to harvest Bush

Fragrant as a sunlit garden path, Pistou basil unfurls with lush, medium-to-large leaves that feel velvety to the touch and relea…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jan 2nd
Last Frost	Jan 16th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 27th
Harvest Begins	Apr 18th
Harvest Ends	Dec 19th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Stocky Red Rooster Pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a common pest or disease for Ocimum basilicum (basil), and how should I treat it?

Basil commonly suffers from downy mildew (often seen as pale yellow patches on top leaves with a gray-purple growth underneath). Remove and discard infected leaves immediately, then improve airflow and avoid wetting foliage when watering. If it keeps spreading, use a labeled fungicide for downy mildew on basil and keep plants well spaced in full sun.

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during the main growing phase?

During active leaf growth, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—typically about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for heat and container size. Water at the base early in the day so leaves stay dry, and let the top 1–2 cm of soil dry slightly between waterings. Consistently soggy soil promotes root problems and faster leaf diseases.

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

Harvest at around 50 days to maturity, but start earlier when plants have several sets of true leaves and are 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) tall. Pinch or cut just above a pair of leaves to encourage branching, and harvest before flowering because leaf quality drops once buds form. If the plant begins to flower, pick frequently to slow bolting.

Fragrant as a sunlit garden path, Pistou basil unfurls with lush, medium-to-large leaves that feel velvety to the touch and release a bright, classic aroma when brushed. The flavor is vivid and balanced—sweet-green with a gentle peppery lift—ideal for turning everyday dishes into fragrant favorites. Grow Pistou for steady, bushy harvests from early summer through the season, with tender leaves that shine fresh and also hold their character beautifully in sauces and 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

Because pistou is grown as a fresh, small-leaf vegetable crop and is not reliably transplant-friendly, sow directly where it will grow for best texture and uniformity.