Sultana

Basil

Zone 5a Save Garden

🌱 45d to harvest Upright

Aromatic and luminous, Sultana Thai Basil fills the garden with a sweet, spicy perfume—cool anise-coolness meeting warm clove and…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 24th
Last Frost	May 8th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 19th
Harvest Begins	Aug 3rd
Harvest Ends	Sep 30th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
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

What pests or diseases most often hit Ocimum basilicum (sultana basil), and how can I manage them at home?

The most common issues are downy mildew (yellow spots on top with fuzzy growth underneath) and aphids that cluster on new shoots. Remove infected leaves early and avoid overhead watering; water at the base in the morning to keep foliage dry. For aphids, spray with a strong stream of water and repeat every 2–3 days for about a week, or use insecticidal soap if colonies persist.

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture target should I aim for?

During active growth, keep soil consistently lightly moist—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly between waterings. In full sun, this usually means watering every 2–4 days, but adjust so the plant never sits in soggy soil. If basil wilts and stems droop but the soil is still damp, reduce watering immediately to prevent root stress and fungal problems.

When is Ocimum basilicum ready to harvest (and how do I harvest to keep plants producing)?

Harvest when plants are about 6–8 weeks old and just before flowering, typically around day 45, when leaves are fully sized and the plant has multiple sets of leaves. Pinch or cut above a leaf pair (don’t harvest too low), taking no more than about one-third of the plant at a time. Regular harvesting encourages branching, so you’ll get more leaf growth over the next several weeks.

Aromatic and luminous, Sultana Thai Basil fills the garden with a sweet, spicy perfume—cool anise-coolness meeting warm clove and citrus-green brightness. At maturity, its tender leaves form an upright, branching habit with a satiny sheen and a gently serrated edge, offering a delicate bite that shines in fresh applications and quick stir-ins, as well as fragrant sauces and herb-forward garnishes. Grow Sultana for a steady harvest rhythm and a bold, unmistakable basil character that elevates every bowl it graces.

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

Grow Sultana basil warm and protected at first—transplant only when nights stay above 50°F and keep evenly moist to maximize large-leaf growth and harvest quality.