Greek Columnar

Basil

60d to harvest

Fragrant as a sunlit herb garden, Greek Columnar basil unfolds with a steady, upright habit and richly aromatic leaves that perfume the air with classic sweet-basil charm. The foliage is tender and velvety, with a crisp, succulent texture that holds its character beautifully in fresh applications and quick flavoring. Grow Greek Columnar for bold, clean basil notes in sauces, pesto-style blends, and bright finishing garnishes.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 12a, 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 most commonly affects Ocimum basilicum (Greek Columnar) and how can I control it?

A frequent problem is downy mildew (often spotted as yellow patches on leaf tops with gray-purple growth underneath), especially when leaves stay wet overnight. Remove infected leaves early, water at the soil line (not over the foliage), and improve airflow by thinning plants so leaves aren’t touching. If it’s spreading quickly, use an appropriate labeled fungicide for basil/downy mildew and treat at the first signs.

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during the main growing phase?

During active growth (after it’s established and before harvest), keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged—about 1 inch (2–3 cm) of water per week, split into 1–3 deep waterings. Check the top 1 inch of soil; water when it feels just barely dry on the surface. In containers, basil often needs more frequent checks (typically every 1–3 days in warm weather).

How do I tell when Greek Columnar basil is ready to harvest?

Start harvesting around 60 days when plants have a sturdy, upright habit and produce lots of healthy side shoots along the stem. Harvest when leaves are well-sized (generally before flowering); pinch or cut just above a pair of leaves to encourage branching. For best flavor, pick in the morning and avoid removing more than about one-third of the plant at any single time.