Prospera

Basil

Zone 5a Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Upright

Fragrant as a summer garden at golden hour, Prospera Italian Basil unfurls with an aromatic, sweet-green perfume that lingers on …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 24th
Last Frost	May 8th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 19th
Harvest Begins	Aug 18th
Harvest Ends	Sep 30th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage downy mildew or leaf spot on Ocimum basilicum (basil) in humid weather?

On basil, downy mildew/leaf spots often show up as yellowing patches on the upper leaf surface with gray-purple growth underneath, especially when nights are cool and air stays humid. Remove and discard affected leaves early, improve airflow around plants, and water at the soil line (not on leaves). If the problem keeps spreading, apply a labeled organic fungicide that targets downy mildew/leaf spot and repeat according to the label; start treatments as soon as symptoms appear.

During the main growing phase of Ocimum basilicum, how often should I water and what soil moisture should I keep?

Keep basil consistently evenly moist, aiming for soil that stays lightly damp but never soggy; in full sun, this often means watering about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and container size. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, then let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly before watering again. Avoid letting pots sit in runoff water, which can quickly trigger root stress and increased disease.

When is Ocimum basilicum ready to harvest (and how should I harvest for best regrowth)?

Harvest when plants are about 6–8 inches tall (often around 50–60 days) and have multiple sets of leaves; start with the top leaves to encourage branching. Snip above a leaf pair (or node) so the plant can sprout new side shoots, rather than removing large stems all at once. For the sweetest flavor, harvest in the morning before midday heat, and keep picking regularly to prevent flowering.

Fragrant as a summer garden at golden hour, Prospera Italian Basil unfurls with an aromatic, sweet-green perfume that lingers on the air. Its leaves are tender and lush—medium to large, softly matte, and richly veined—offering a vibrant, herbaceous flavor that shines in classic Italian favorites. Grow Prospera for abundant harvests at about 60 days, ideal for fresh use and for stirring into sauces, pesto-style blends, and quick pickling brines where its bright character can stand out.

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 seeds indoors for sturdy transplants, and transplant only once soil is reliably warm (60°F+) to avoid cold-stress that can undermine disease resistance.