Pistou Basil

Basil

45d to harvest

Fragrant as fresh summer air, Pistou Basil unfurls with glossy, medium-green leaves that release a bright, sweet-camphor aroma the moment you brush past them. The foliage is tender and richly textured—ideal for gathering in generous handfuls—while the flavor stays clean and vivid, with a classic basil sweetness that shines in green sauces and aromatic blends. Grow Pistou Basil for bold, fragrant harvests in about 45 days, and let its abundant leafiness inspire your most flavorful garden creations.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 7th
Last Frost	May 19th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 14th
Harvest Begins	Aug 28th
Harvest Ends	Sep 21st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
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

Amana Orange Tomato

Red Gem Marigold

Yellow Fatalii Pepper

Brandywine Yellow Tomato

Purple Cayenne Pepper

Marigold Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water pistou basil during the main growing phase?

During active growth (about weeks 3–6 after sowing/planting), keep soil consistently slightly moist but never waterlogged—aim for watering when the top 1 inch feels dry. Water deeply at the base so moisture reaches the root zone, then let excess drain; basil in Lamiaceae is prone to stem and root issues if kept constantly wet. In hot full sun, this may mean watering every 2–3 days, but always adjust to soil dryness rather than a fixed schedule.

How do I know when pistou basil is ready to harvest (Ocimum basilicum)?

Harvest when plants are about 6–8 inches tall and have multiple pairs of mature leaves—typically around 45 days from sowing, depending on conditions. Pinch or cut stems just above a leaf pair to encourage branching, and harvest before flowering for the best leaf quality and flavor. If you see flower buds forming, start harvesting more frequently because leaf aroma declines as plants shift to flowering.