Boxwood

Basil

45d to harvest

Aromatic as a fresh-cut green bouquet, Boxwood Basil fills the garden with a steady, richly perfumed presence—bright, cool, and unmistakably basil-sweet. This bush basil forms a compact, tidy mound of tender leaves with a smooth, velvety texture and a balanced, flavorful bite that shines in fresh garnishes and fragrant sauces, while also holding its character beautifully when dried or gently warmed. Grow it for reliable, early harvests at about 45 days, and enjoy a long season of abundant leaf pickings from a plant that stays neat and productive.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 12b, 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 15th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I deal with boxwood leafminer (or leaf spot) when leaves start looking blighted or browning?

For boxwood leafminer, watch for silvery streaks and blotchy browning in new growth; remove and destroy affected tips and avoid shearing during active growth. If leaf spot is present (black/brown spots that spread on leaves), prune out infected branches for airflow, then water at the base so foliage stays dry and treat early with a labeled fungicide for boxwood leaf spot. Repeated outbreaks often mean improving sun/air movement and spacing—dense hedges stay wetter and spread problems faster.

During the main growing phase, how often should I water boxwood in full sun?

In active growth (spring through early summer), water deeply about 1–2 times per week so the root zone gets evenly moist but not soggy. Check by feel: the top 1–2 inches of soil should dry slightly between waterings, while the soil 4–6 inches down should remain damp. In full sun heat, increase frequency to prevent drying in the upper root layer—consistent dryness stresses boxwood and makes leaf browning more likely.

How can I tell when boxwood is ready to harvest for cuttings or trimming?

Boxwood isn’t typically “harvested,” but for cuttings, harvest only new growth: look for shoots that are green and flexible at the tips, with slightly firmer, less-floppy stems near the base of that flush. The best timing is when new spring growth has matured enough to hold leaves without wilting, usually within the plant’s ~45-day growth window after flush begins. For hedging, trim when the foliage is fully opened and the outer new growth has hardened—avoid cutting into still-soft, actively expanding tips.