Greek Columnar

Basil

60d to harvest

Fragrant as a sunlit herb garden, Greek Columnar basil unfolds with a steady, upright habit and richly aromatic leaves that perfume the air with classic sweet-basil charm. The foliage is tender and velvety, with a crisp, succulent texture that holds its character beautifully in fresh applications and quick flavoring. Grow Greek Columnar for bold, clean basil notes in sauces, pesto-style blends, and bright finishing garnishes.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 6th
Harvest Begins	Aug 5th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

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

Recommended Companions

African Marigold Marigold

Beefsteak Tomato

Orange Rocoto Pepper

Cayenne Long Red Thin Pepper

Bosque Blue Bumblebee Tomato

Marigold Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Ocimum basilicum (Greek Columnar) and how can I control it?

A frequent problem is downy mildew (often spotted as yellow patches on leaf tops with gray-purple growth underneath), especially when leaves stay wet overnight. Remove infected leaves early, water at the soil line (not over the foliage), and improve airflow by thinning plants so leaves aren’t touching. If it’s spreading quickly, use an appropriate labeled fungicide for basil/downy mildew and treat at the first signs.

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during the main growing phase?

During active growth (after it’s established and before harvest), keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged—about 1 inch (2–3 cm) of water per week, split into 1–3 deep waterings. Check the top 1 inch of soil; water when it feels just barely dry on the surface. In containers, basil often needs more frequent checks (typically every 1–3 days in warm weather).