75days to harvest
14-21 daysdays to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost, transplant after frost. Direct sow outdoors after soil temperature reaches 50°F in spring.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Regular; consistently moist soil but not waterlogged
Soil
Well-draining soil rich in organic matter, neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Spacing
6-8 inches
Height
0-3 feet
Season
Biennial

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark green
Size
12-18".
Shape
Densely curled, ruffled leaves
Flavour
Bright, fresh, slightly peppery herbal flavor characteristic of curled-leaf parsley varieties

In the kitchen

Garnish, salads, herb butters, soups, sauces, grain dishes, chimichurri-style preparations

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Spider mites (especially indoors), aphids, slugs
Diseases
Powdery mildew, leaf spot

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
11JanuaryJanuary – March—March – December

Companion planting

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

TomatoesBasil repels tomato hornworms and aphids, enhances tomato flavor and growth
PeppersBasil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack pepper plants
OreganoShares similar growing conditions and attracts beneficial insects while repelling pests
ParsleyCompatible herb that attracts beneficial insects and doesn't compete for nutrients
LettuceBasil provides light shade and pest protection for lettuce during hot weather
MarigoldsRepel nematodes and other soil pests, complement basil's pest-deterrent properties
ChivesRepel aphids and enhance basil's flavor while sharing similar care requirements
AsparagusBasil repels asparagus beetles and doesn't interfere with asparagus root system

Avoid

RueAllelopathic herb that inhibits basil growth and can stunt development
SageCompetes for similar nutrients and may inhibit basil's growth through root competition
ThymeCan overpower young basil plants and compete for space and nutrients

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 Wega?

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 Wega suits these too.

Browse all 104 herbs