Moisture range
30–60%
Days to maturity
25–35
Light
Full sun
Growing Degree Units
700 · base 60°F
When to plant basil in your zone
Indoor-start, transplant and harvest dates calibrated to your climate.
Growing notes
Like most herbs, basil requires a sunny location that receives at least six to eight hours of bright light per day and well-drained soil conditions. It is important to prune the plant periodically throughout the growing season to maintain succulent and productive growth.
Harvest signs
Iowa State Extension ↗For maximum flavor, basil should be harvested when flower buds have started to form but before they begin to open
▶Planting reference— Depth, spacing, pH, light
▶Pests & diseases— slugs and snails, thrips, basil downy mildew
Common diseases · 1
Basil downy mildew: fluffy growths on the underside of leaves and can kill entire plants; yellowing between the veins, gray fuzzy growth on the underside of the leaf, leaves will then blacken and die ↗
Companions & antagonists
Plant near:TomatoPepper
Keep apart from:Sage
Common questions
How much water does basil need?
Basil has middle-of-the-road water needs. Aim to keep soil moisture around 30–60%, letting the top inch dry slightly between waterings rather than staying soggy.
Can I grow basil in a raised bed or container?
Yes — basil does well in raised beds and is happy in a decent-sized container too, as long as drainage is good.
Does basil come back every year?
No — basil is an annual. It completes its life in one season, so you replant it each year.