400days to harvest
—days to germinate
Z4–9USDA zones
Easydifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow in spring or early summer for second-year flowering

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
Moderate
Height
12-24 inches
Season
Biennial

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Light brown
Shape
Umbel flowers, plump seed heads
Flavour
Earthy, mild anise flavor with subtle licorice notes.

In the kitchen

Breads, savory dishes, grain preparations, traditional European cuisine

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
3April – MayJune – July—July – October
4March – AprilJune – July—July – October
5March – AprilMay – June—June – October
6March – AprilMay – June—June – November
7February – MarchApril – June—June – November
8February – MarchApril – May—May – December
9January – FebruaryMarch – April—April – December
10JanuaryFebruary – April—April – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

TomatoesBasil repels tomato hornworms and aphids, may improve tomato flavor
PeppersBasil deters aphids and spider mites that commonly affect peppers
OreganoBoth herbs have similar growing requirements and repel common garden pests
LettuceBasil provides light shade for lettuce and repels aphids that damage leafy greens
AsparagusBasil repels asparagus beetles and doesn't compete for root space
MarigoldsBoth plants repel aphids and whiteflies, creating a stronger pest deterrent
ParsleySimilar water and nutrient needs, basil helps repel pests that affect parsley
CarrotsBasil improves soil health and repels carrot flies without root competition

Avoid

RueAllelopathic properties inhibit basil growth and development
SageCompetes for similar nutrients and may stunt basil growth
ThymeCan inhibit basil germination and early growth through allelopathy

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
23
Protein (g)
3.15
Fat (g)
0.64
Carbohydrate (g)
2.65
Fibre (g)
1.6
Sugars (g)
0.3
Vitamin A (µg)
264
Vitamin C (mg)
18
Vitamin E (mg)
0.8
Vitamin K (µg)
415
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.155
Folate (µg)
68
Calcium (mg)
177
Iron (mg)
3.17
Magnesium (mg)
64
Phosphorus (mg)
56
Potassium (mg)
295
Zinc (mg)
0.81
Selenium (µg)
0.3

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the herbs growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Arterner?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other herbs with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Arterner suits these too.

Browse all 104 herbs