Aristotle

Basil

Zone 9a Save Garden

🌱 45d to harvest Bush

Fragrant, cool-sweet leaves unfurl with a distinctly Greek basil character—bright and aromatic, with a crisp, tender bite that fe…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 6th
Last Frost	Mar 6th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 6th
Harvest Begins	Apr 20th
Harvest Ends	Nov 26th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
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

Why are my Aristotle plants developing sticky leaves and curled tips, and how do I stop aphids?

Aphids commonly attack Aristotle in warm weather, leaving sticky honeydew and causing new growth tips to curl. Spray plants with a strong jet of water, then apply insecticidal soap (especially under leaves) and repeat every 5–7 days until you see no new clusters. Avoid heavy nitrogen feeding during outbreaks, which makes fresh growth more attractive to aphids.

How often should I water Aristotle during the main growing phase (around weeks 3–6)?

Water Aristotle so the top 1 inch of soil dries slightly between waterings, which typically means about 1–2 deep waterings per week depending on heat. During weeks 3–6, keep moisture steady—cracks or soggy soil can both disrupt development. Use a drip line or soaker to target the roots and reduce leaf wetness.

How can I tell when Aristotle is ready to harvest at about 45 days?

Harvest Aristotle when plants reach full size and the stems/heads show the expected maturity with firm, well-formed structure and no soft spots. For uniform timing, start checking daily once the crop is at 40–42 days—if you wait until the plant looks overly loose or starts to decline, quality drops. Cut or pull at maturity and harvest in the morning for best texture.

Fragrant, cool-sweet leaves unfurl with a distinctly Greek basil character—bright and aromatic, with a crisp, tender bite that feels almost velvety in the hand. “Aristotle” forms an upright, richly branching plant that yields an abundant harvest of deep green foliage, ideal for fresh use and for flavor-forward sauces and pesto-style blends. Grow it for its clean, lifted perfume and its steady, garden-to-jar performance through the season.

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 compact Greek basil like this, pinch the growing tips once plants have 3–4 sets of true leaves to encourage dense branching.