SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Emily

Basil
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Emily to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Emily
55d to harvest

Aromatic as fresh summer air, Emily Italian Basil unfurls with glossy, medium-green leaves that release a bright, sweet-clove fragrance the moment you brush past them. The flavor is classic and balanced—tender and richly herbaceous—ideal for generous handfuls of fresh use and for turning into fragrant, green sauces. Vigorous and steady from early harvest through the season, Emily is a garden favorite for anyone who wants abundant, flavorful leaves at about 55 days from sowing.

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 25th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity55
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 Emily in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Emily.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common basil problem (Ocimum basilicum) I’ll see, and how do I control it?
Basil commonly gets downy mildew (often starting as yellow patches on the upper leaves with gray-purple growth underneath) when humidity stays high. Remove and discard affected leaves right away, improve airflow by spacing plants well, and water at the soil line so foliage stays dry; avoid overhead watering. If it’s spreading, use a labeled fungicide for basil/downy mildew and keep plants in full sun to dry quickly.
How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during peak growth?
During the main growing phase, keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy—aim for watering when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. In full sun, this often means about 1–2 inches of water per week total, split into 1–3 waterings depending on heat and container size. Mulch can help stabilize moisture, but make sure water drains well to prevent root stress and leaf problems.
Botanical illustration of Emily

Aromatic as fresh summer air, Emily Italian Basil unfurls with glossy, medium-green leaves that release a bright, sweet-clove fragrance the moment you brush past them. The flavor is classic and balanced—tender and richly herbaceous—ideal for generous handfuls of fresh use and for turning into fragrant, green sauces. Vigorous and steady from early harvest through the season, Emily is a garden favorite for anyone who wants abundant, flavorful leaves at about 55 days from sowing.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Emily in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Emily.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 11a, 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

Keep basil warm and evenly moist—transplant only after nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F and pinch the tips early to prevent legginess.