Queen Of Sheba Basil

Basil

Zone 8b Save Garden

🌱 50d to harvest Upright

Fragrant as warm sun on green velvet, Queen Of Sheba Basil unfurls with an intense, sweet-anise aroma and a clean, bright flavor …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 9th
Last Frost	Mar 23rd
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 4th
Harvest Begins	Jun 23rd
Harvest Ends	Nov 12th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Ocimum basilicum (Queen of Sheba basil), and how can I stop it?

Basil is commonly hit by downy mildew (often yellow patches on top with gray/purple growth underneath leaves), especially in cool, humid conditions. Remove and discard affected leaves immediately, improve airflow by spacing plants, and water at the soil line (not over the foliage). If it keeps spreading, use a labeled fungicide for basil/downy mildew and avoid saving seed from infected plants.

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

During active growth (roughly weeks 2–6), keep the soil consistently evenly moist but not soggy—aim for top 1 inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again. In hot weather, this often means watering every 2–3 days, while cooler periods may require less frequent watering. Make sure containers drain well; basil in waterlogged soil develops root stress and becomes more disease-prone.

How do I know when Queen of Sheba basil is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are well-established and reach about 8–12 inches tall, typically around 50 days from sowing, and before flowering starts for the best leaf flavor. Take pinch/harvest by removing the top growing tips plus the top pair of leaves, which encourages branching. If you see flower buds forming, harvest sooner and more frequently to delay flowering.

Fragrant as warm sun on green velvet, Queen Of Sheba Basil unfurls with an intense, sweet-anise aroma and a clean, bright flavor that lingers on the palate. Its leaves are tender and richly textured—medium-sized, softly cupped, and beautifully uniform—ideal for fresh use where its fragrance can shine. Grow it for Italian-style pesto, flavorful finishing, and aromatic sauces, or simply let the leaves perfume your garden with every harvest.

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 for a head start, then transplant only when nights are reliably warm to prevent leggy, stunted growth.