Basil — FarmPal
The essential summer herb. Fragrant, versatile, and easy to grow.
Sun
full
Water
moderate
Spacing
12-18 inches apart
Days to Harvest
30-60 days (continuous harvest)
Planting Depth
1/4 inch
Companion Plants
Tomatoes
Peppers
Oregano
Asparagus
Avoid Planting Near
Sage
Rue
Common Pests
Aphids
Japanese beetles
Slugs
Whiteflies
Diseases to Watch
Fusarium wilt
Downy mildew
Root rot
Growing Tips
- •Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost
- •Pinch growing tips regularly to promote bushiness
- •Remove flowers immediately to prolong harvest
- •Plant successive crops every 3 weeks
- •Bring indoors before first frost
Harvesting
- •Harvest in morning after dew dries
- •Cut stems just above a leaf node
- •Never remove more than 1/3 of the plant
- •Regular harvesting encourages growth
Storage
Use fresh. Freeze in olive oil cubes. Dry or make pesto.
Varieties
Genovese
Classic Italian. Best for pesto and cooking.
Thai
Anise/licorice flavor. Essential for Thai cuisine.
Lemon
Citrus notes. Great in teas and fish dishes.
Purple Ruffles
Beautiful ornamental. Mild flavor.
Greek/Globe
Compact mounding habit. Container perfect.