75days to harvest
7-10 daysdays to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
F1 hybrid

Sowing

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after last frost when soil temperature reaches 70°F

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Regular, consistent moisture; approximately 1-1.5 inches per week
Soil
Well-drained loam, moderately fertile
Spacing
18-24 inches
Height
6-9 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark yellow
Size
5-5 1/2"
Shape
Oval, approximately 5-5.5 inches long by 4.5-5.5 inches wide
Flavour
Sweet and juicy with a classic, mild cantaloupe flavor and refreshing finish.

In the kitchen

Fresh eating, fruit salads, smoothies, breakfast plates

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Cucumber beetles, squash vine borers, aphids, spider mites
Diseases
Powdery mildew, Fusarium wilt, downy mildew

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2April – MayJune – August—August – September
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
11JanuaryJanuary – March—March – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 4 to avoid.

TomatoesBasil repels tomato hornworms and aphids while enhancing tomato flavor
PeppersBasil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack peppers
OreganoCompatible growing conditions and both repel similar pests when planted together
LettuceBasil provides partial shade and repels aphids that damage lettuce leaves
MarigoldsBoth repel nematodes and create a strong pest-deterrent combination
ParsleySimilar water and soil requirements, attracts beneficial insects
CarrotsBasil helps repel carrot flies while carrots don't compete for space
ChivesBoth herbs deter aphids and complement each other's pest-fighting properties

Avoid

RueAllelopathic compounds inhibit basil growth and can stunt development
FennelStrong allelopathic effects inhibit basil germination and growth
Black WalnutJuglone toxin from roots kills basil and most other herbs
SageCompetes aggressively for nutrients and can inhibit basil's growth

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

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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 Brilliant?

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 Brilliant suits these too.

Browse all 104 herbs