Ararat

Basil

60d to harvest

Sink your senses into Ararat Purple Basil’s velvety, wine-dark leaves that release a rich, sweet-anise fragrance the moment you brush past them. The foliage is tender and lush with a softly ruffled texture, forming a compact, upright plant that’s as beautiful as it is aromatic. Grow Ararat for bold purple color and fragrant leaves that shine in fresh garnishes, vibrant sauces, and fragrant finishing touches—ideal for gardeners who want their herb bed to look as striking as it smells.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 23rd
Last Frost	May 4th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 29th
Harvest Begins	Aug 28th
Harvest Ends	Oct 5th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent and treat powdery mildew on Ararat (60-day) plants?

Powdery mildew shows up as a white, dusty coating on Ararat leaves, usually when nights are cool and days stay humid. Remove badly affected leaves early, improve airflow by spacing plants and keeping the lower foliage dry, and water at the soil line. If it keeps spreading, spray with a potassium bicarbonate or sulfur product labeled for edible plants and reapply as directed after 5–7 days.

How often should I water Ararat during the main growing phase (weeks 2–6)?

During active growth, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—about 1 inch of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, especially to support steady leaf and bulb development. Avoid frequent light sprinkles that keep the surface wet, which increases leaf disease risk.