SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Sultana

Basil
Zone 11b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

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

Aromatic and luminous, Sultana Thai Basil fills the garden with a sweet, spicy perfume—cool anise-coolness meeting warm clove and citrus-green brightness. At maturity, its tender leaves form an upright, branching habit with a satiny sheen and a gently serrated edge, offering a delicate bite that shines in fresh applications and quick stir-ins, as well as fragrant sauces and herb-forward garnishes. Grow Sultana for a steady harvest rhythm and a bold, unmistakable basil character that elevates every bowl it graces.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11b, 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 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 Sultana in Zone 11b typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Sultana.

Garden Alerts

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture target should I aim for?
During active growth, keep soil consistently lightly moist—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly between waterings. In full sun, this usually means watering every 2–4 days, but adjust so the plant never sits in soggy soil. If basil wilts and stems droop but the soil is still damp, reduce watering immediately to prevent root stress and fungal problems.
When is Ocimum basilicum ready to harvest (and how do I harvest to keep plants producing)?
Harvest when plants are about 6–8 weeks old and just before flowering, typically around day 45, when leaves are fully sized and the plant has multiple sets of leaves. Pinch or cut above a leaf pair (don’t harvest too low), taking no more than about one-third of the plant at a time. Regular harvesting encourages branching, so you’ll get more leaf growth over the next several weeks.
Botanical illustration of Sultana

Aromatic and luminous, Sultana Thai Basil fills the garden with a sweet, spicy perfume—cool anise-coolness meeting warm clove and citrus-green brightness. At maturity, its tender leaves form an upright, branching habit with a satiny sheen and a gently serrated edge, offering a delicate bite that shines in fresh applications and quick stir-ins, as well as fragrant sauces and herb-forward garnishes. Grow Sultana for a steady harvest rhythm and a bold, unmistakable basil character that elevates every bowl it graces.

Today's Conditions

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

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 11b, 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

Grow Sultana basil warm and protected at first—transplant only when nights stay above 50°F and keep evenly moist to maximize large-leaf growth and harvest quality.