Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Basil — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Ocimum basilicum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 5–10 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–29.4 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–90 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–61 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 2–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | indoor-start |
Growing directions
Sow seeds 1/4 in deep in a warm, moist seed-starting mix and keep soil above 65°F for reliable sprouting. Pinch out flower buds as soon as they appear to encourage bushy leaf production and delay bolting. Water at the base to avoid fungal spots, and feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer mid-season. Harvest by snipping stems just above a leaf node once plants have at least six true leaves.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0
Latique · CC BY-SA 3.0