Dolly

Sweet Basil

Zone 6b Save Garden

🌱 40d to harvest Upright

Bask in Dolly’s lush, velvety leaves—an aromatic rush of sweet, bright basil that feels almost floral as you brush past the plant…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 4th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 6th
Harvest Begins	Jul 16th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	40
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 problem most commonly affects Ocimum basilicum (basil), and how do I control it?

Basil commonly gets downy mildew, which shows up as yellow patches on the upper leaf surface and gray-purple growth on the underside, especially in humid weather. Remove and discard infected leaves immediately, avoid wetting foliage when watering, and improve airflow by spacing plants farther apart. If it keeps spreading, switch to a preventive fungicide labeled for basil/downy mildew and restart with clean starts/seed.

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during active growth to keep it thriving?

During the ~40-day growing period, water basil whenever the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, aiming for evenly moist (not soggy) soil. In full sun, this often means watering about 2–3 times per week, but adjust based on how quickly your soil dries. Water at the soil line in the morning so leaves dry quickly, and never let pots sit in runoff water.

How can I tell when Ocimum basilicum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants have formed a full set of leaves and reach about 6–8 inches tall, typically around 35–40 days after sowing. Pick sprigs just above a pair of healthy leaves to encourage branching, and stop harvesting for good only when growth begins to slow or flowering starts. If flower buds appear, pinch them off promptly to keep leaves tender and flavorful.

Bask in Dolly’s lush, velvety leaves—an aromatic rush of sweet, bright basil that feels almost floral as you brush past the plant. The foliage forms a dense, upright mound with tender, medium-to-large leaves that stay flavorful and fragrant at harvest, making it a standout for fresh use and vibrant flavoring. Grow Dolly for spoonfuls of green freshness in salads and finishing touches, and for fragrant pesto and herb-forward sauces that shine with its sweet basil 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

Grow basil warm and steady—once nighttime temps are reliably above 50°F and soil is settled, transplant and keep evenly moist to maximize tender-leaf yield.