Caribbean Tree Basil

Basil

Zone 4b Save Garden

🌱 70d to harvest Upright

Caribbean Tree Basil fills the garden with a lush, upright presence and a richly aromatic fragrance that blooms in the air—bold, …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 1st
Last Frost	May 13th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 1st
Harvest Begins	Sep 9th
Harvest Ends	Sep 27th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
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

Brandywine (Sudduth's Strain) Tomato

Mayan Love Pepper Pepper

Glacier Tomato

Aji Dulce Pepper

Big Green Zebra Tomato

Early Girl Tomato

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Ocimum gratissimum (Caribbean tree basil), and how can I control it?

Caribbean tree basil is prone to leaf spot and powdery mildew when air is humid and leaves stay wet. Water at the soil line, space plants for airflow, and remove badly spotted leaves; if it persists, spray with a labeled potassium bicarbonate or sulfur fungicide and repeat as directed on the label. Watch closely for sucking pests like whiteflies and aphids on new growth and rinse them off with a strong jet of water, then treat with insecticidal soap if needed.

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.

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.

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 indoors early and transplant only after nights stay warm (basil is frost-intolerant) to keep this shrub-like basil growing vigorously.