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Rutgers Devotion

Basil
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

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

Fragrant as a warm summer breeze, Rutgers Devotion Italian basil unfurls into lush, glossy leaves with a sweet, peppery lift and a distinctly clean, aromatic finish. The foliage is tender and richly textured—substantial enough to hold its character in the garden, yet never coarse—making it a favorite for fresh bouquets and bold, fragrant flavoring. Grow it for standout pesto and herb-forward sauces, or simply tear leaves to perfume olive oil and vine-ripened tomatoes at their peak.

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 20th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity50
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)75
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

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

Garden Alerts

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

Recommended Companions

Rutgers 250 Tomato
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Taishan Yellow Marigold
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Peacework Pepper
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Peppadew Pepper
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Brandywine Yellow Tomato
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African Marigold Marigold
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Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Ocimum basilicum (basil) like Rutgers Devotion, and how do I control them?
Watch for basil downy mildew (yellowing spots on upper leaves with gray-purple growth underneath) and for aphids that cluster on new growth. Remove and discard infected leaves early, improve airflow, and avoid wetting foliage when watering. For aphids, spray plants with a strong jet of water and repeat every 2–3 days; if needed, use an insecticidal soap, focusing on leaf undersides and new shoots.
How can I tell when Ocimum basilicum is ready to harvest?
Harvest when plants reach roughly 6–8 inches tall and most stems have at least 4–6 sets of leaves, typically around 50 days from sowing for Rutgers Devotion. Pinch or cut just above a pair of leaves to encourage branching; your first harvest is usually tender enough for fresh use. Stop major harvesting when flowering starts—then leaves get smaller and less flavorful, though you can still harvest small amounts for a short time.
Botanical illustration of Rutgers Devotion

Fragrant as a warm summer breeze, Rutgers Devotion Italian basil unfurls into lush, glossy leaves with a sweet, peppery lift and a distinctly clean, aromatic finish. The foliage is tender and richly textured—substantial enough to hold its character in the garden, yet never coarse—making it a favorite for fresh bouquets and bold, fragrant flavoring. Grow it for standout pesto and herb-forward sauces, or simply tear leaves to perfume olive oil and vine-ripened tomatoes at their peak.

Today's Conditions

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

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

Start seed indoors for sturdier plants, then transplant only when nights are reliably warm to keep basil compact and highly productive.