Amrita

Holy Basil

Zone 7b Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Upright

Amrita Holy Basil unfurls with a fragrant, luminous presence—cool, peppery-camphor notes rising from velvety leaves as the plants…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 27th
Last Frost	Apr 10th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 5th
Harvest Begins	Aug 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 28th

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

Melrose Pepper

Chocolate Cherry Tomato Tomato

Black Hungarian Pepper

Fish Pepper Pepper

Yolo Wonder Pepper

Marconi Red Pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Amrita, and what should I do if I see it?

Amrita is especially prone to powdery mildew in warm, humid spells, which shows up as a white, dusty coating on leaves. Remove the most affected leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants and avoiding overhead watering, then spray with a labeled sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide every 7–10 days until new growth is clean.

How often should I water Amrita during the main growing phase (after it establishes)?

Water Amrita to keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist, typically about once every 2–3 days in warm weather, but adjust based on rainfall and how fast the soil dries. Aim for deep, slow soaking so roots stay hydrated, and never let the soil go bone-dry or waterlog—soggy conditions can trigger leaf and root problems.

How can I tell when Amrita is ready to harvest at about 60 days?

Harvest when plants reach full size and the crop’s surface color and texture look fully developed for the variety—avoid picking if fruits/leaves still look pale, underfilled, or overly firm. Use a gentle test: if it resists coming away or feels tight/immature, give it a few more days and check again daily.

Amrita Holy Basil unfurls with a fragrant, luminous presence—cool, peppery-camphor notes rising from velvety leaves as the plants reach their peak. Expect lush, upright growth with tender, richly textured foliage that holds its aromatic character beautifully for fresh use and for simmering into fragrant preparations. A favorite for gardeners who want a steady supply of aromatic leaves from early summer through the first frosts, with a satisfying, garden-to-vase elegance that’s as rewarding as it is flavorful.

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 basil indoors briefly (or buy plants) and only transplant after nights are reliably warm, since cold slows or stops growth.