Persian Basil

Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. Plant seeds at 1/4 inch depth in warm soil kept at 70-85°F; germination occurs in 6-10 days. Provide bright light once seedlings emerge to prevent legginess.

Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed to at least 70°F and hardening off is complete. Space transplants 8-12 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. Handle gently to avoid disturbing the shallow root system.

Direct sow seeds outdoors after soil temperature reaches 70-85°F and all frost danger has passed. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and thin seedlings to 8-12 inch spacing once true leaves appear.

Begin harvesting leaves once the plant reaches 6 inches tall, typically 70-79 days after sowing. Pinch or cut individual leaves from the top of stems, or harvest entire stems just above a leaf node to encourage branching. For maximum flavor, harvest in the morning after dew dries but before heat intensifies. Continuous harvesting throughout the growing season keeps the plant productive and prevents early flowering.

Pinch off stem tips regularly as the plant grows to encourage bushier, more compact growth and delay flowering. This directs energy into leaf production rather than flowers, extending the productive harvest window. Remove flower buds as they form if foliage harvest is your priority; allowing flowers to develop will slow leaf production.