Eleonora

Basil

60d to harvest

Aromatic and luminous, Eleonora Thai Basil rises with a vivid, peppery fragrance that blooms into sweet anise-cool notes as the leaves unfurl. Expect tender, narrow leaves with a crisp, succulent bite and a richly green sheen—ideal for fresh use and for building bold, fragrant sauces, stir-ins, and quick pickles where its signature lift shines. Grow Eleonora for a steady harvest over the season, with plants that hold their character as they mature toward flowering.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, 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 (sweet basil) like Eleonora, and how do I treat it?

Watch for downy mildew and basil blight, which often show up as yellowing patches, grayish growth on leaf undersides, and dark lesions in warm, humid weather. Remove and discard affected leaves early, water at the soil line (not the foliage), and improve airflow by spacing plants to prevent a dense canopy. If problems persist, use an appropriate basil-friendly fungicide labeled for downy mildew or basil blights and repeat according to the label.

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during the main growing phase (after seedlings establish)?

Keep basil consistently lightly moist—about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on heat—so the top 1 inch of soil doesn’t dry out completely. Water deeply when the soil surface starts to dry, then avoid frequent shallow watering that encourages stressed roots and leaf diseases. In hot, full-sun conditions, that may mean watering every 1–3 days, but always check soil moisture first.

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

Harvest when plants reach roughly 8–12 inches tall and have multiple healthy sets of leaves, typically around 60 days from sowing with good growth. Use snips to remove leaf tops just above a pair of leaves to encourage branching; you should see new growth within about a week. Stop before flowering for the best leaf flavor—once flower buds begin to form, leaves become tougher and more bitter.