Sultana

Basil

45d to harvest

Aromatic and luminous, Sultana Thai Basil fills the garden with a sweet, spicy perfume—cool anise-coolness meeting warm clove and citrus-green brightness. At maturity, its tender leaves form an upright, branching habit with a satiny sheen and a gently serrated edge, offering a delicate bite that shines in fresh applications and quick stir-ins, as well as fragrant sauces and herb-forward garnishes. Grow Sultana for a steady harvest rhythm and a bold, unmistakable basil character that elevates every bowl it graces.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 9th
Last Frost	Mar 23rd
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 4th
Harvest Begins	Jun 18th
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

Recommended Companions

Lemon Gem Marigold

Black Vernissage Tomato

Crystal White Wax Onion

Chocolate Cherry Tomato Tomato

Yellow Sweet Spanish Onion

Moonsong Deep Orange Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases most often hit Ocimum basilicum (sultana basil), and how can I manage them at home?

The most common issues are downy mildew (yellow spots on top with fuzzy growth underneath) and aphids that cluster on new shoots. Remove infected leaves early and avoid overhead watering; water at the base in the morning to keep foliage dry. For aphids, spray with a strong stream of water and repeat every 2–3 days for about a week, or use insecticidal soap if colonies persist.

When is Ocimum basilicum ready to harvest (and how do I harvest to keep plants producing)?

Harvest when plants are about 6–8 weeks old and just before flowering, typically around day 45, when leaves are fully sized and the plant has multiple sets of leaves. Pinch or cut above a leaf pair (don’t harvest too low), taking no more than about one-third of the plant at a time. Regular harvesting encourages branching, so you’ll get more leaf growth over the next several weeks.