Compact Basil
Everleaf Emerald Towers Basil is a towering cultivar of Ocimum basilicum that grows 24 to 36 inches tall, creating a dramatic vertical presence in gardens and containers. This frost-tender annual thrives in zones 10 to 11 and reaches flowering maturity in 315 to 420 days from seed, rewarding patient gardeners with abundant blooms from summer through fall. Its tall, narrow habit (8 to 12 inches wide) makes it a natural choice for gardeners seeking height without sprawl, while its pollinator-attracting flowers extend its usefulness beyond the kitchen.
Full Sun
High
10-11
36in H x 12in W
Annual
High
Hover over chart points for details
The architectural elegance of this basil sets it apart; at 24 to 36 inches tall, it commands attention as a vertical focal point rather than hiding behind other plants. Summer through fall blooms arrive reliably in zones 10 to 11, drawing pollinators with every flower spike. The consistent upright growth pattern and narrow footprint make it surprisingly versatile, whether tucked into tight garden spaces or grown in containers where it won't tumble over nearby plants.
As a culinary basil, Everleaf Emerald Towers is harvested for its aromatic leaves, which are best picked when plants are young and tender, roughly 6 to 8 inches tall, for optimal flavor. Regular harvesting throughout the growing season encourages continued leaf production and delays flowering. Beyond the kitchen, its summer and fall blooms attract pollinators and can extend the ornamental interest of gardens in warm climates.
Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your intended transplant date, maintaining temperatures between 70 and 90°F for fastest germination, though seeds will sprout at 60 to 75°F. Sow at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch and expect seedlings to emerge in 5 to 10 days. Transplant outdoors once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F.
Transplant seedlings outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, when soil temperature has reached at least 60°F, ideally 65 to 85°F. Space plants 12 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. If you're in a warm climate (zones 10 to 11), successive sowings every 3 weeks will provide continuous harvests throughout the growing season.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after your last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 60°F. Sow at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch and thin seedlings to one plant every 12 inches when they reach 2 inches tall.
Begin harvesting once plants reach approximately 6 to 8 inches tall for the best flavor and texture. Harvest in the morning when essential oils are most concentrated. Pinch off individual leaves or cut stem tips regularly throughout the growing season to encourage new growth and delay flowering. If frost or cold weather is predicted, harvest all remaining basil immediately, as cold temperatures will destroy the plants.
Pinch off flowers regularly to encourage continued leaf growth and prevent plants from becoming too woody. Harvest continually throughout the growing season by removing leaves and stem tips; this encourages branching and bushier growth. For the best flavor, harvest when plants are young, around 6 to 8 inches tall.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.