Vana

Basil

Zone 4b Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Upright

Aromas first—Vana basil unfurls with a bright, cool green fragrance and a distinctly sweet, herbal lift that lingers like fresh l…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 1st
Last Frost	May 13th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 20th
Harvest Begins	Jul 19th
Harvest Ends	Sep 27th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Ocimum tenuiflorum (holy basil), and how can I control it?

Watch for downy mildew and leaf blights, which show up as dark, irregular spots and fast-spreading leaf dieback in humid conditions. Improve airflow by spacing plants well and avoid wetting leaves; remove and discard infected leaves early. If problems persist, use an approved copper-based fungicide according to label directions, starting at the first signs of spotting.

How often should I water Ocimum tenuiflorum during peak growth, and what soil moisture level should I keep?

During the main growth phase, keep the soil consistently lightly moist—water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Aim for deep watering so moisture reaches the root zone, but don’t leave pots or beds soggy, since holy basil is prone to fungal issues in constantly wet soil. In full sun, expect more frequent watering in containers than in-ground beds.

How do I tell when Ocimum tenuiflorum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach about 8–12 inches tall and have formed sturdy, branching stems with abundant leaf growth (often around 60 days). Pick leaves and tender tips regularly: snip the top 1–2 sets of leaves to encourage branching, and harvest before flowering becomes heavy for the best flavor. If flowers are forming, you can still harvest leaves, but flavor can shift—continue harvesting frequently to slow woody growth.

Aromas first—Vana basil unfurls with a bright, cool green fragrance and a distinctly sweet, herbal lift that lingers like fresh leaves in warm light. The foliage is tender and finely textured, forming lush, compact mounds with leaves that are velvety to the touch and richly flavored for everyday abundance. Grow Vana for fresh snipping into salads and finishing sauces, and for drying or freezing to keep its signature scent close at hand throughout the season.

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

Keep holy basil warm (consistent moisture, no cold nights) and pinch early growth to encourage bushiness for larger leaves.