African Blue

Basil

70d to harvest

Experience the aromatic embrace of African Blue Basil, a stunning herb that captivates with its vibrant purple-tinged leaves and a robust, sweet flavor profile. Perfect for fresh salads or as a fragrant garnish, this variety also boasts a unique floral aroma that enhances any dish. Its lush foliage adds not only culinary delight but also ornamental beauty to your garden.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jan 23rd
Last Frost	Mar 6th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 1st
Harvest Begins	Jul 10th
Harvest Ends	Nov 26th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	Upright
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Fireball Marigold

Napoletano Basil Basil

Whirlybird Series Nasturtium

Carbon Tomato

Dark Opal Basil

Marigold Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage powdery mildew on African Blue plants?

Powdery mildew often shows as a white, dusty coating on African Blue leaves, especially when nights are cool and humidity stays high. Improve airflow by spacing plants as labeled and watering the soil (not the leaves); remove the most heavily affected leaves early. If it’s spreading, spray a labeled sulfur or potassium bicarbonate product, repeating as directed until the coating stops spreading (avoid sulfur on very hot days).

How often should I water African Blue during active growth (around weeks 3–8)?

During the main growth period, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly between waterings. In warm weather this usually means watering about 1–2 times per week, but increase frequency if the top inch dries in a day. Use deep watering so moisture reaches the root zone; African Blue in constantly wet soil is much more prone to stem and root problems.