Pluto Basil

Basil

60d to harvest

Pluto Basil opens with a lush, velvety perfume—cool, sweet, and unmistakably basil-bright—rising from compact, bushy plants that stay tidy and productive. Leaves are richly flavored and tender, with a smooth, medium-green surface and a gentle, succulent bite that shines in fresh garnishes and aromatic blends. Ideal for container gardeners, Pluto Basil delivers steady harvests for fragrant leaf-forward uses, from quick tosses to fragrant sauces and pickled accents.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 11th
Last Frost	Apr 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 13th
Harvest Begins	Jul 12th
Harvest Ends	Nov 5th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
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

Moonsong Deep Orange Marigold

Eleonora Basil

Hardy Marjoram Marjoram

Purple Ruffles Basil Basil

Marigold Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

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

During active growth, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for watering when the top 1 inch of potting mix feels dry. In full sun, this often means watering every 1–3 days in a container, with extra checks during hot weeks. Make sure excess water drains freely to prevent root stress.

How can I tell when Pluto basil (Ocimum basilicum) is ready to harvest?

Harvest starting around 60 days when plants are well-branched and have multiple sets of mature leaves (not just tiny seedlings). Take the top 1/3 of the plant or snip above a pair of leaf nodes to encourage bushy regrowth. If flowers start forming, begin harvesting more frequently or pinch buds to keep leaves tender and flavorful.