Gecofure

Basil

Zone 8b Save Garden

🌱 45d to harvest Upright

Aromatic as fresh sunlight, Gecofure Italian Basil fills the garden with a vivid, sweet-clove fragrance and a clean, green snap. …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 23rd
Last Frost	Mar 23rd
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 11th
Harvest Begins	Jun 25th
Harvest Ends	Nov 12th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem most often affects Ocimum basilicum (basil), and how can I manage it?

Basil commonly gets downy mildew (especially in humid, cool conditions) and it shows up as yellow patches on top with gray-purple fuzzy growth on the underside of leaves. Remove and discard affected leaves early, water basil only at the soil line, and increase airflow by spacing plants at least 10–12 in (25–30 cm) apart. If it keeps spreading, use an approved copper-based or biological fungicide labeled for basil to protect remaining leaves.

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during active growth, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

During the main growing phase, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for the top 1 in (2–3 cm) to dry slightly before watering again. Typically this means watering about 2–3 times per week in warm weather, but less if your soil stays cool or is heavy clay. Water slowly at the base until the root zone is wet, then stop so excess water doesn’t linger.

How do I tell when Ocimum basilicum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are about 6–8 in (15–20 cm) tall and have plenty of healthy leaf pairs, typically around 45 days from sowing. Pick just above a leaf pair to encourage branching, and avoid stripping more than one-third of the plant at a time. Start harvesting before flowering—once basil flowers begin, leaf quality usually declines.

Aromatic as fresh sunlight, Gecofure Italian Basil fills the garden with a vivid, sweet-clove fragrance and a clean, green snap. Its leaves are tender and richly textured—deeply veined, softly cupped, and beautifully uniform—ideal for gathering again and again at peak flavor. Grow Gecofure for classic Italian-style pesto and bright, herb-forward sauces, or for fresh garnishing that turns everyday dishes into something fragrant and alive.

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

For fastest, uniform pesto-ready harvests, start indoors for sturdy transplants and keep seedlings warm until nights reliably stay above 50°F.