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Sweet Basil — Herbs | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Sweet Basil
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

74days to harvest

5-10days to germinate

Z10–10USDA zones

Easydifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost when soil is 65°F+, or start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water: 1 inch per week, consistent moisture
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Spacing: 12-18 inches
Height: 0-3 feet
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Bright green leaves
Size: 2-3"
Shape: Oval, slightly cupped leaves with smooth edges
Flavour: Sweet, aromatic with hints of clove and anise

In the kitchen

Pesto, pasta sauces, pizza, caprese, Thai and Italian dishes, fresh garnish

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, slugs
Diseases: Fusarium wilt, bacterial leaf spot, downy mildew
Resistance: Moderate resistance to bacterial leaf spot

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
10	January	February – 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

← PreviousCommon Thyme Next →Curly Parsley

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.

Sweet Basil

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Sweet Basil?

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