Holy Red

Holy Basil

Zone 6b Save Garden

🌱 70d to harvest Upright

Fragrant and richly aromatic, Holy Red Holy Basil unfurls with a deep, wine-red glow that perfumes the garden from morning to dus…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 6th
Harvest Begins	Aug 15th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
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

Recommended Companions

Cherokee Chocolate Tomato

Roma Tomato

Durango Red Marigold

German Johnson Tomato

Paul Robeson Tomato

Indigo Blue Berries Tomato

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common problem to watch for when growing Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Red) and how do I treat it?

A frequent issue is downy mildew, which shows up as yellowing patches on leaves followed by gray-purple fuzzy growth on the underside. Water only at the base and keep foliage dry, then remove and discard badly infected leaves. If it keeps spreading, spray with a copper-based fungicide labeled for herbs and repeat as directed on the label to protect new growth.

How often should I water Holy Red during the main growing phase?

During active growth (after plants are established), keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for lightly damp soil in the top 1–2 inches. Water about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, increasing frequency during hot, windy weather. If leaves wilt and stems look droopy in the afternoon, water deeply early in the day; if soil stays soggy, scale back to prevent fungal leaf diseases.

How can I tell when Holy Red (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are about 65–70 days from sowing and have multiple well-developed leaf sets, usually when the plant is tall enough for you to pinch or snip the top growth. For best flavor, pick leaves in the morning and avoid harvesting all foliage at once; take the top 2–4 inches and leave enough stems for regrowth. If you wait until the plant is flowering heavily, leaf production slows and flavor can become more intense and slightly more bitter.

Fragrant and richly aromatic, Holy Red Holy Basil unfurls with a deep, wine-red glow that perfumes the garden from morning to dusk. The leaves are tender yet substantial, with a velvety, slightly serrated texture and a sweet-basil backbone lifted by a gentle, peppery note. Grow it for fresh bouquets of flavor, vibrant dried herb bundles, and standout infusions and sauces where its bold red character shines.

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 seedlings indoors warm and transplant only when nights are reliably above ~50°F to prevent stunting in purple Holy Basil.