Ararat

Basil

Zone 1a Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Upright

Sink your senses into Ararat Purple Basil’s velvety, wine-dark leaves that release a rich, sweet-anise fragrance the moment you b…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	May 4th
Last Frost	Jun 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Aug 10th
Harvest Begins	Oct 9th
Harvest Ends	Jul 15th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Valiant Tomato

Amish Gold Tomato

Japanese Black Trifele Tomato

Aji Dulce Pepper

Golden Marconi Pepper

Rutgers Tomato

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent and treat powdery mildew on Ararat (60-day) plants?

Powdery mildew shows up as a white, dusty coating on Ararat leaves, usually when nights are cool and days stay humid. Remove badly affected leaves early, improve airflow by spacing plants and keeping the lower foliage dry, and water at the soil line. If it keeps spreading, spray with a potassium bicarbonate or sulfur product labeled for edible plants and reapply as directed after 5–7 days.

How often should I water Ararat during the main growing phase (weeks 2–6)?

During active growth, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—about 1 inch of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, especially to support steady leaf and bulb development. Avoid frequent light sprinkles that keep the surface wet, which increases leaf disease risk.

When is Ararat ready to harvest (60 days), and what signs should I look for?

Harvest at about 60 days after sowing/transplanting, or when the plants’ heads/bulbs reach full size and the tops begin to yellow and loosen slightly. For the best eating quality, harvest on a dry day and don’t wait until the foliage collapses completely. After pulling, cure/sort quickly according to the use (fresh use immediately, or allow brief drying before storage if applicable).

Sink your senses into Ararat Purple Basil’s velvety, wine-dark leaves that release a rich, sweet-anise fragrance the moment you brush past them. The foliage is tender and lush with a softly ruffled texture, forming a compact, upright plant that’s as beautiful as it is aromatic. Grow Ararat for bold purple color and fragrant leaves that shine in fresh garnishes, vibrant sauces, and fragrant finishing touches—ideal for gardeners who want their herb bed to look as striking as it smells.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Start basil indoors early, but transplant only after nights are reliably warm to avoid cold-stunting; pinch tips to encourage a bushy plant.