Dwarf Greek Basil

Basil

Zone 2b Save Garden

🌱 45d to harvest Bush

Fragrant as a sunlit herb garden, Dwarf Greek Basil forms a compact, mound-like plant that releases a bright, sweet-anise perfume…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 3rd
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 26th
Harvest Begins	Aug 10th
Harvest Ends	Aug 25th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Ocimum basilicum (dwarf Greek basil), and how can I treat it?

Basil commonly gets downy mildew and leaf spot in cool, humid conditions, often showing as yellowing leaves and gray/purple growth under the leaves. Remove and discard infected leaves, improve airflow (don’t crowd plants), and avoid watering the foliage—water only at the soil line. If it keeps spreading, use a labeled fungicide that’s approved for basil in your area and start after the first signs.

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

During active growth, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—water when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil feels dry. In full sun, dwarf Greek basil usually needs watering about 2–4 times per week, depending on heat and container size. Use a pot with drainage (or well-draining bed soil) to prevent root stress from standing water.

How can I tell when dwarf Greek basil (Ocimum basilicum) is ready to harvest?

Begin harvesting at about 40–45 days when plants are well-leafed and have multiple sets of true leaves. Pick when stems are firm and leaves are at a good size, using scissors to snip the top 1–2 pairs of leaves and just above a node to encourage branching. Don’t wait for flower buds—once flowering starts, leaf flavor can decline.

Fragrant as a sunlit herb garden, Dwarf Greek Basil forms a compact, mound-like plant that releases a bright, sweet-anise perfume with every touch. Its small, tender leaves are richly aromatic and velvety in texture, holding their character beautifully for fresh garnishing and aromatic use in sauces, pesto-style blends, and herb oils. Grow it for quick, satisfying harvests—ideal when you want bold basil flavor in a neat, space-saving bush.

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, then pinch the tips weekly to keep the dwarf habit compact and productive.