Camphor Basil

Basil

70d to harvest

Aromatic as a warm camphor breeze, Camphor Basil fills the garden with a cool, resinous fragrance and a bright herbal bite. Its leaves are tender and finely textured, forming an upright, lush mound of deep green foliage that’s especially prized for fresh use, fragrant garnishes, and bold herbal flavor in sauces and pesto-style blends. Grow it for its distinctive, unmistakable scent as much as its vivid, leafy presence on the plate.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 9th
Last Frost	Apr 20th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 15th
Harvest Begins	Aug 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 20th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
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)	12

Recommended Companions

Moonsong Deep Orange Marigold

Orange Manzano Pepper

Silvery Fir Tree Tomato

Carolina Cayenne Pepper

Window Box Roma Tomato

Taishan Yellow Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Ocimum kilimandscharicum (camphor basil), and how do I stop it?

Camphor basil is prone to downy mildew and leaf-spot conditions in humid weather, which show up as discolored patches on leaves that expand quickly. Water at the soil line (not on leaves), space plants well for airflow, and remove badly infected leaves early to slow spread. If conditions stay humid, use a preventative labeled fungicide for basil/downy mildew and avoid harvesting during active spread to prevent moving spores.

How can I tell when Ocimum kilimandscharicum camphor basil is ready to harvest (around 70 days)?

Harvest when plants have reached about 8–12 inches tall and form multiple true leaf pairs, then take leaf tips before flowers open. You should see vigorous, aromatic leaf growth across the stems—if flowering buds begin to form, quality drops and the plant shifts energy away from leaf production. For best regrowth, pinch just above a leaf pair and avoid stripping more than one-third of the plant at a time.