Basics
- Ease of Growing
- Easy
- Grown as
- Annual
- Days to Maturity
- 60-70 (Spring/Summer)
- Growing Habit
- Bush
- Hardiness
- Very Tender
Basil is not at all hardy and can't stand any frost.
- Crops
- Spring Transplant, Summer
- Growing Season
- Short, Long
- Cultivar Type
- -
- Growing Conditions
- Warm, Hot
Basil is very unhappy if it isn't warm, so in cooler areas it should be in the warmest spot in the garden. If this still isn't warm enough then grow it under cloches. It will tolerate some shade when growing in hot climates, but does better in full sun.
- Outdoor Growing Temp
- 60°F - 90°F
- Min Outdoor Soil Temp
- 70°F
Basil needs warm (75ºF - 85ºF) soil.
- Start Indoors
- Yes
- Start Outdoors
- Yes
- Light
- Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot)
Full sun.
- Water
- Moderate
Basil likes evenly moist soil.
- Feeder
- Light
Low nitrogen. Low potassium. Low phosphorous. Basil isn't a very hungry plant, but for maximum leaf production it should be given fertile soil.
- Suitability
- High heat, Partial shade
- Small Gardens?
- Yes
- Containers?
- Yes
This variety does quite well in containers and is great to grow on the kitchen windowsill (especially in cool climates). Transplant one seedling per 6" pot or 3 seedlings per 12" pot. Because basil is a heat-loving plant, it is crucial to place the container in an area with access to at least 4 hours of sunlight per day. Basil requires temperatures of 75 degrees F or higher in order to thrive, so it's not the best option for Winter growing (unless you keep your house well-heated.) Use well-drained, nutrient-rich potting soil and keep the soil moist but not overly wet.
- Attracts beneficial insects?
- Yes
- Color
- Bright green or Purple leaves with light pink flower spikes
- Fruit Size
- - "
- Plant Height
- 5.0 - 6.0"
- Plant Diameter
- 6.0 - 12.0"
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-10
- Disease Resistance
- -
- Taste Profile
Aromatic flavor when used dry.
- Rotation Group
- Leaves: Brassicas + Leafy Greens