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Dwarf Greek Basil

Basil

Planting Schedule

Add Dwarf Greek Basil to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Dwarf Greek Basil
45d to harvest

Fragrant as a sunlit herb garden, Dwarf Greek Basil forms a compact, mound-like plant that releases a bright, sweet-anise perfume with every touch. Its small, tender leaves are richly aromatic and velvety in texture, holding their character beautifully for fresh garnishing and aromatic use in sauces, pesto-style blends, and herb oils. Grow it for quick, satisfying harvests—ideal when you want bold basil flavor in a neat, space-saving bush.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsNov 15th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity45
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

Frequently Asked Questions


What pest or disease is most likely on Ocimum basilicum (dwarf Greek basil), and how can I treat it?
Basil commonly gets downy mildew and leaf spot in cool, humid conditions, often showing as yellowing leaves and gray/purple growth under the leaves. Remove and discard infected leaves, improve airflow (don’t crowd plants), and avoid watering the foliage—water only at the soil line. If it keeps spreading, use a labeled fungicide that’s approved for basil in your area and start after the first signs.
How can I tell when dwarf Greek basil (Ocimum basilicum) is ready to harvest?
Begin harvesting at about 40–45 days when plants are well-leafed and have multiple sets of true leaves. Pick when stems are firm and leaves are at a good size, using scissors to snip the top 1–2 pairs of leaves and just above a node to encourage branching. Don’t wait for flower buds—once flowering starts, leaf flavor can decline.
Botanical illustration of Dwarf Greek Basil

Fragrant as a sunlit herb garden, Dwarf Greek Basil forms a compact, mound-like plant that releases a bright, sweet-anise perfume with every touch. Its small, tender leaves are richly aromatic and velvety in texture, holding their character beautifully for fresh garnishing and aromatic use in sauces, pesto-style blends, and herb oils. Grow it for quick, satisfying harvests—ideal when you want bold basil flavor in a neat, space-saving bush.