Gevas

Basil

Zone 9b Save Garden

🌱 35d to harvest Upright

Fragrant and lush from the first pinch, Gevas Italian Basil fills the garden with a bright, sweet-anise perfume and a cool, green…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 29th
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 6th
Harvest Begins	May 11th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	35
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 commonly affects Ocimum basilicum (basil), and what should I do?

Basil is often hit by downy mildew (bluish-gray growth on leaf undersides) during cool, humid weather. Remove and discard infected leaves, improve airflow (space plants and avoid crowding), and water at the base early in the day so foliage dries quickly. If mildew keeps recurring, treat plants with a labeled downy mildew fungicide suitable for basil and follow the label interval.

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during its main growth period?

During the main growth phase, keep soil consistently lightly moist—aim for the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) to stay damp but not soggy. Water deeply when the surface begins to dry, usually about 2–3 times per week depending on heat and container vs. ground conditions. Avoid wetting leaves, because basil’s foliage stays prone to mildew when it remains damp.

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

Harvest when plants are about 30–40 days old (around your ~35-day maturity) and have multiple sets of healthy leaves. Pick by cutting just above a pair of leaves to encourage branching; don’t harvest more than about one-third of the plant at a time. For best flavor, harvest in the morning after dew has dried, before the plant starts forming flowers.

Fragrant and lush from the first pinch, Gevas Italian Basil fills the garden with a bright, sweet-anise perfume and a cool, green snap. Leaves are tender and velvety with a classic medium-to-large, gently cupped shape—ideal for gathering at peak freshness for bold flavor and vivid color. Grow Gevas for nonstop harvests and for standout pesto-style flavor, fresh leaf use, and aromatic finishing in sauces and quick pickles.

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

Because Gevas is described as extremely fast regrowth after cutting, prioritize consistent moisture and nitrogen to keep regrowth cycles rapid after each harvest.