SproutSmart
SproutSmart Intelligent Garden Sowing

Caribbean Tree Basil

Basil

Planting Schedule

Add Caribbean Tree Basil to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Caribbean Tree Basil
70d to harvest

Caribbean Tree Basil fills the garden with a lush, upright presence and a richly aromatic fragrance that blooms in the air—bold, sweet, and distinctly herbal with a bright, sun-warmed lift. At maturity, it forms sturdy, woody-leaning stems topped with large, velvety leaves that hold their shape beautifully and exude a deep green, tea-like perfume. Grow Caribbean Tree Basil for standout fresh use and for fragrant sauces, pesto-style blends, and herb-forward infusions that showcase its full-bodied character.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 13b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsDec 10th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity70
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Frequently Asked Questions


How often should I water Ocimum gratissimum during its main growing phase?
During active growth (roughly once it’s established and until late summer), keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist but not soggy. In full sun, this usually means watering about 2–3 times per week depending on heat, but always check soil moisture first and reduce watering if the soil stays wet. Avoid long dry spells, because drought-stressed tree basil tends to drop leaves and becomes more susceptible to mildew.
How do I know when Ocimum gratissimum is ready to harvest?
Begin harvesting when plants are well branched and reach the listed maturity window (about 70 days from sowing) with vigorous new shoots. Pick sprigs regularly once the plant has multiple sets of leaves, harvesting no more than about one-third of the growth at a time to keep it productive. For best flavor, harvest in the morning before the sun is strongest, and cut just above a leaf node to encourage fresh side shoots.
Botanical illustration of Caribbean Tree Basil

Caribbean Tree Basil fills the garden with a lush, upright presence and a richly aromatic fragrance that blooms in the air—bold, sweet, and distinctly herbal with a bright, sun-warmed lift. At maturity, it forms sturdy, woody-leaning stems topped with large, velvety leaves that hold their shape beautifully and exude a deep green, tea-like perfume. Grow Caribbean Tree Basil for standout fresh use and for fragrant sauces, pesto-style blends, and herb-forward infusions that showcase its full-bodied character.