Winner Basil Seed

Days to germination

5–10 days at 65–70°F (18–21°C).

Direct sowing (recommended)

Drop 2–3 seeds per inch, 1/4" deep, with 18" between rows, then press the soil down gently. You can skip thinning, though plants left 4–8" apart become fuller and healthier. Holy basil needs a little light to sprout, so cover it more thinly than other kinds.

Transplanting

Start seed inside 6 weeks ahead of planting out, 1/4" deep, held near 70°F (21°C) for even sprouting. Move seedlings outside once they carry 3–4 pairs of leaves, setting them 4–8" apart with 18" between rows.

Light

Full sun.

Soil and water

Fairly fertile ground that stays evenly moist. Basil suffers in drought and hot, stressful spells, so keep watering steadily all season.

Plant height

16–18".

Plant spacing

4–8".

Hardiness

Grown as an annual.

Harvest

Once plants are growing well, begin taking a few sprigs, preferably in the cool early morning when the leaves hold up best. Just before the plants bloom, take a full cut, leaving stems 4–6" high so they sprout again. The leaves bruise at a touch, so handle them gently, and keep cut basil warmer than 50°F (10°C).

Pelleted seed

Keep the soil evenly moist while pelleted seed germinates. Store pelleted seed cool and dry, and use it within a year of purchase.

Scientific name

Ocimum basilicum

Packet

200 seeds.

Seeds per oz.

About 18,400 on average.