SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Minette

Basil
Zone 11b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

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

Fragrant as a sunlit herb garden—Minette basil releases a vivid, sweet-green perfume with a cool, peppery lift that lingers on the palate. Its compact bush habit forms dense, tender leaves with a velvety, medium-green surface and a crisp, succulent bite; leaves are especially prized for their aromatic intensity. Grow Minette for fresh garnishing and bold flavor in sauces and pesto, or for drying and infusing oils and vinegars to capture that bright basil character all season long.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Frost-free Zone 11b supports continuous outdoor production.
MilestoneDate
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Growing ApproachContinuous Production

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

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Minette in Zone 11b typically begins around throughout the growing season. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Minette.

Garden Alerts

Frost-free Zone 11b supports continuous outdoor production.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during its main growing phase?
During active leaf growth, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly between waterings. Typically this means watering about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, with more frequent watering during hot spells. Use well-draining soil so roots don’t sit in soggy conditions, which increases the risk of root issues and mildew.
How do I know when Minette basil (Ocimum basilicum) is ready to harvest?
Harvest when plants reach about 6–8 inches tall and have several sets of mature leaves, which is often around 45 days. Pick in the morning, snipping above a leaf pair to encourage new branching; avoid removing more than about one-third of the plant at a time. If it starts forming flower buds, harvest frequently because leaf quality declines as Ocimum basilicum shifts toward flowering.
Botanical illustration of Minette

Fragrant as a sunlit herb garden—Minette basil releases a vivid, sweet-green perfume with a cool, peppery lift that lingers on the palate. Its compact bush habit forms dense, tender leaves with a velvety, medium-green surface and a crisp, succulent bite; leaves are especially prized for their aromatic intensity. Grow Minette for fresh garnishing and bold flavor in sauces and pesto, or for drying and infusing oils and vinegars to capture that bright basil character all season long.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Minette in Zone 11b typically begins around throughout the growing season. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Minette.

Garden Alerts

Frost-free Zone 11b supports continuous outdoor production.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

For uniform dwarf growth like 'Minette', give warm soil and avoid letting seedlings get rootbound—thinning and hardening off consistently helps keep the compact shape.