Nufar Basil

Basil

60d to harvest

Fragrant as a warm summer breeze, Nufar Basil unfurls with rich, glossy leaves that feel velvety to the touch and hold their aromatic lift from first harvest to the next. Expect a sweet, classic basil flavor with a clean, bright finish—ideal for fresh use and for stirring into fragrant sauces, pesto-style blends, and quick pickling brines where its perfume can shine. A favorite for gardeners who want dependable, lush growth and a steady supply of tender leaves at about 60 days.

Crop Dates

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

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Nov 30th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
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

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Ocimum basilicum (Nufar basil), and how can I manage it?

On basil (Ocimum basilicum), downy mildew is a frequent problem, showing as yellow patches on the upper leaf surface with gray-purple growth underneath. Remove and discard infected leaves early, avoid wetting foliage, and increase airflow around plants. If it’s spreading, treat preventively with a labeled fungicide for downy mildew on basil and keep plants under full sun for faster drying.

How often should I water Nufar basil during the main growth phase, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

During active leaf growth (roughly weeks 3–8), keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for the top 1 inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. In full sun, this typically means watering 1–3 times per week depending on weather and container size. Water at the base so leaves stay dry, which helps reduce disease pressure.

How do I know when Nufar basil (Ocimum basilicum) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach about 6–8 inches tall and have several pairs of mature leaves (about 50–60 days to maturity). Pick leaf clusters just above a set of leaves to encourage branching, rather than removing the whole stem at once. For best flavor, harvest in the morning before temperatures peak and when leaves are still tender.