Emily

Basil

55d to harvest

Aromatic as fresh summer air, Emily Italian Basil unfurls with glossy, medium-green leaves that release a bright, sweet-clove fragrance the moment you brush past them. The flavor is classic and balanced—tender and richly herbaceous—ideal for generous handfuls of fresh use and for turning into fragrant, green sauces. Vigorous and steady from early harvest through the season, Emily is a garden favorite for anyone who wants abundant, flavorful leaves at about 55 days from sowing.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 21st
Last Frost	May 19th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 7th
Harvest Begins	Aug 31st
Harvest Ends	Sep 21st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
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

Recommended Companions

Black Zebra Tomato

Durango Red Marigold

Cayenne Golden Pepper

Green Zebra Tomato

Sweet Sunrise Pepper

Fireball Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common basil problem (Ocimum basilicum) I’ll see, and how do I control it?

Basil commonly gets downy mildew (often starting as yellow patches on the upper leaves with gray-purple growth underneath) when humidity stays high. Remove and discard affected leaves right away, improve airflow by spacing plants well, and water at the soil line so foliage stays dry; avoid overhead watering. If it’s spreading, use a labeled fungicide for basil/downy mildew and keep plants in full sun to dry quickly.

How can I tell when Ocimum basilicum is ready to harvest?

Harvest once plants have developed at least 6–8 inches of growth and before flowers appear, typically around 50–60 days. Pick leaves by pinching or snipping just above a pair of leaf nodes to encourage bushy regrowth, and harvest in the morning for best flavor. If you see flower buds forming, harvest soon and start regular pinching to slow flowering and maintain leaf quality.