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Herbs · Ocimum basilicum 'Pesto Perpetuo'

Pesto Perpetuo Basil

Pesto Perpetuo Basil is a hybrid herb variety (Ocimum basilicum 'Pesto Perpetuo'). Harvest begins around day 60-75; seed germinates in 5-10 days. Set plants 12-18 inches apart. Grow in soil pH 6.0-7.5, zones 10-10, full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours). Plants reach 0-3 feet. It will crop in a container. Hybrid seed does not come true, so it has to be bought fresh each season rather than saved.

60-75days to harvest
5-10days to germinate
Z10–10USDA zones
Easy to moderatedifficulty
F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Start from cuttings or purchased plants only - does not produce viable seeds. Plant after all frost danger has passed.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Spacing
12-18 inches
Height
0-3 feet
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Cream and green variegated leaves
Size
Leaves 2-3 inches long
Shape
Oval pointed leaves with distinctive cream margins
Flavour
Classic sweet basil flavor, slightly milder than Genovese

In the kitchen

Pesto, Italian dishes, fresh garnish, caprese salads. Excellent for continuous harvest cooking.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles
Diseases
Downy mildew, fusarium wilt (resistant)
Resistance
Good resistance to fusarium wilt, better than many basil varieties

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
10JanuaryFebruary – April—April – December

Companion planting

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

TomatoesBasil repels tomato hornworms and aphids while improving tomato flavor
PeppersBasil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack pepper plants
OreganoSimilar growing conditions and both herbs repel common garden pests when planted together
MarigoldsRepel nematodes and whiteflies while attracting beneficial insects
LettuceBasil provides light shade for lettuce and repels aphids that damage leafy greens
ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps that control pests
CarrotsBasil improves soil and repels carrot flies and other root vegetable pests
BeansBeans fix nitrogen in soil benefiting basil, while basil repels bean beetles

Avoid

RueAllelopathic properties inhibit basil growth and can cause stunting
SageCompetes for nutrients and may inhibit basil growth through root competition
ThymeCan overpower basil and compete for space due to aggressive spreading nature

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
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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.

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Similar varieties

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

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