Sweet Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Large 2-3" long, turned-down leaves. This stunning basil is nearly black in color. Purple flowers and red leaves make an attractive garnish. Ht. 16-20".Edible Flowers: Use the flowers in any recipe that calls for basil, or to garnish drinks, salads, soups, pasta, and desserts. Flavor is of intense basil.
Harvest
74d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
10–10
USDA hardiness
Height
0-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Sweet Basil in USDA Zone 10
All Zone 10 herb →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Sweet 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 sweet basil leaves stay crisp for 7-10 days when stored properly. Keep unwashed stems in a glass of water at room temperature like cut flowers, covering leaves loosely with a plastic bag. Alternatively, wrap unwashed leaves in slightly damp paper towels and refrigerate in a perforated plastic bag – never store below 40°F as cold damage causes black spots.
For preservation, freezing maintains the best flavor. Blanch whole leaves in boiling water for 2 seconds, plunge into ice water, pat dry, and freeze in single layers. Make pesto and freeze in ice cube trays for convenient portions. Air-drying works but reduces potency – harvest before flowering, tie small bundles, and hang in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area for 2-4 weeks. Properly dried basil retains flavor for 6-12 months when stored in airtight containers.
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, may improve tomato flavor
Peppers
Basil deters aphids and spider mites that commonly affect peppers
Oregano
Both herbs have similar growing requirements and repel common garden pests
Lettuce
Basil provides light shade for lettuce and repels aphids that damage leafy greens
Asparagus
Basil repels asparagus beetles and doesn't compete for root space
Marigolds
Both plants repel aphids and whiteflies, creating a stronger pest deterrent
Parsley
Similar water and nutrient needs, basil helps repel pests that affect parsley
Carrots
Basil improves soil health and repels carrot flies without root competition
Keep Apart
Rue
Allelopathic properties inhibit basil growth and development
Sage
Competes for similar nutrients and may stunt basil growth
Thyme
Can inhibit basil germination and early growth through allelopathy
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Moderate resistance to bacterial leaf spot
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, slugs
Diseases
Fusarium wilt, bacterial leaf spot, downy mildew