Pesto Perpetuo Basil
Ocimum basilicum 'Pesto Perpetuo'
A spectacular variegated basil that never flowers, providing continuous harvest of cream and green striped leaves throughout the season. This sterile hybrid focuses all its energy on leaf production, making it the ultimate pesto-making machine. The striking variegation makes it as ornamental as it is functional.
Harvest
60-75d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
10–10
USDA hardiness
Height
0-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Pesto Perpetuo Basil in USDA Zone 10
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Pesto Perpetuo Basil · Zones 10–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – April | — | April – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 4 in. - 1 ft. 2 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Leaves and flowers in tea, as flavoring
Storage & Preservation
Fresh Pesto Perpetuo basil leaves stay crisp for 7-10 days when stored properly. Treat cut stems like flowers—place in water, cover loosely with plastic bags, and refrigerate. Alternatively, wrap dry leaves in slightly damp paper towels and store in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator's crisper drawer.
For long-term preservation, freeze leaves in ice cube trays with olive oil for easy pesto portions, or blanch leaves for 2 seconds in boiling water, then freeze flat on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags. The variegated leaves maintain their flavor profile better than appearance when frozen.
Drying works well despite the variety's higher moisture content—use a dehydrator at 95°F or hang small bundles in a warm, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Properly dried leaves retain flavor for 6-8 months when stored in airtight containers. The mild flavor also makes this variety excellent for herb-infused vinegars and oils.
History & Origin
Origin: Tropical Africa and Asia
Advantages
- +Edible: Leaves and flowers in tea, as flavoring
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Tomatoes
Basil repels tomato hornworms and aphids while improving tomato flavor
Peppers
Basil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack pepper plants
Oregano
Similar growing conditions and both herbs repel common garden pests when planted together
Marigolds
Repel nematodes and whiteflies while attracting beneficial insects
Lettuce
Basil provides light shade for lettuce and repels aphids that damage leafy greens
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps that control pests
Carrots
Basil improves soil and repels carrot flies and other root vegetable pests
Beans
Beans fix nitrogen in soil benefiting basil, while basil repels bean beetles
Keep Apart
Rue
Allelopathic properties inhibit basil growth and can cause stunting
Sage
Competes for nutrients and may inhibit basil growth through root competition
Thyme
Can overpower basil and compete for space due to aggressive spreading nature
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to fusarium wilt, better than many basil varieties
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles
Diseases
Downy mildew, fusarium wilt (resistant)