SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Fetzer Basil

Basil
Zone 10b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Fetzer Basil to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Fetzer Basil
30d to harvest

Aromatic as a sunlit greenhouse—Fetzer Basil unfurls with richly perfumed leaves that feel velvety to the touch and hold their fragrance from garden to jar. Expect a lush, tender texture with a classic sweet-basil flavor profile that shines in fresh garnishes, bright sauces, and fragrant pesto-style blends. Fast to mature at about 30 days, it’s an ideal choice for gardeners who want abundant, flavorful foliage early in the season.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 10b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsOct 31st
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity30
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)75
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Fetzer Basil in Zone 10b typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Fetzer Basil.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 10b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Recommended Companions

Durango Red Marigold
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African Basil Basil
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German Pink Tomato
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Anaheim Pepper
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Islander Pepper
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Window Box Basil
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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem is most common on Ocimum gratissimum (Holy Vana basil), and how do I control it?
Basil (Ocimum gratissimum) commonly suffers from downy mildew and leaf-spot diseases in warm, humid weather, often showing as yellow patches, gray/purple growth under leaves, or dark spots. Water the plant at the soil line (not the foliage) and increase airflow by spacing plants well; remove and discard infected leaves early. If conditions stay humid, use a labeled fungicide for downy mildew/leaf spot on edible herbs and repeat only as directed on the label.
How can I tell when Ocimum gratissimum (Fetzer basil) is ready to harvest?
Harvest once plants reach about 6–8 inches tall and have several sets of healthy leaves, typically around 30 days from sowing for this crop. Start by pinching or cutting the top 1/3 of the plant just above a leaf pair to encourage branching; you’ll get the best flavor on young, tender leaves. If leaves become tough or the plant starts producing flower stalks, harvest more frequently to maintain quality.
Botanical illustration of Fetzer Basil

Aromatic as a sunlit greenhouse—Fetzer Basil unfurls with richly perfumed leaves that feel velvety to the touch and hold their fragrance from garden to jar. Expect a lush, tender texture with a classic sweet-basil flavor profile that shines in fresh garnishes, bright sauces, and fragrant pesto-style blends. Fast to mature at about 30 days, it’s an ideal choice for gardeners who want abundant, flavorful foliage early in the season.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Fetzer Basil in Zone 10b typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Fetzer Basil.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 10b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Start indoors early for stronger plants, then transplant only after nights are consistently warm and pinch tips to encourage bushy growth.