Field guide
How to grow basil: planting, care, and harvest guide
Basil typically reaches first harvest in 25–40 days. This guide covers when to plant by USDA zone, common pests, harvest cues, and companion plants where relevant.
Open plannerWhen to plant basil by USDA zone group
- USDA Zones 1–4 — June
- USDA Zones 5–6 — May to June
- USDA Zones 7–8 — April to May
- USDA Zones 9–10 — March to May
- USDA Zones 11–13 — March to April
Companion plants
Good companions: Tomato (Slicing), Tomato (Cherry), Pepper (Sweet/Bell), Oregano
Avoid planting with: Culinary Sage, rue
Harvest
When to pick
- Plant is 6+ inches tall with several sets of leaves
- Harvest before flowers form for best flavor
- Pinch off flower buds to extend the harvest season
How: Pinch or cut stems just above a leaf node (where two leaves meet the stem). This encourages bushy growth. Never remove more than 1/3 at once.
Storage: Treat like cut flowers — stand stems in water at room temp. Don't refrigerate (leaves blacken). Freeze in olive oil in ice cube trays for cooking.
Common pests and problems
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on new growth, distorted leaves
Control: Water spray, insecticidal soap. Basil planted near tomatoes helps repel aphids from both.
Japanese Beetles
Signs: Skeletonized leaves (eaten between veins), metallic green/copper beetles
Control: Hand-pick into soapy water in early morning when they're sluggish. Neem oil. Avoid beetle traps — they attract more than they catch.
Downy Mildew
Signs: Yellowing between leaf veins, gray-purple fuzz on undersides
Control: Choose resistant varieties (like 'Rutgers Devotion'). Improve air circulation. Water only at soil level. Remove infected plants promptly.
About this field guide
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