SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Pistou

Basil
Zone 10b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Pistou to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Pistou
50d to harvest

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.

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 BeginsNov 20th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity50
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBush
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

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

Garden Alerts

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

Recommended Companions

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African Marigold Marigold
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Frequently Asked Questions

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.
Botanical illustration of Pistou

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.

Today's Conditions

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

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

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.