Prospera Red DMR Basil is an F1 hybrid herb bred for serious gardeners who want both stunning deep red foliage and disease resistance in a compact plant. This basil reaches harvest in just 74 days and thrives in warm conditions (zones 10-11), making it ideal for container growing or garden beds where space is limited. The real draw here is the 'DMR' designation: intermediate resistance to both downy mildew and Fusarium wilt, two diseases that have frustrated basil growers for years. Its compact growth habit and tight 4-inch spacing requirement mean you can pack more plants into your growing area without sacrificing vigor.
—
High
10-11
?in H x ?in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Red basil with true disease resistance is rare, and Prospera Red DMR delivers on both fronts. The plants stay naturally compact and bushy, reaching full harvestability in just over two months. Its intermediate resistance to downy mildew and Fusarium wilt means you'll spend less time troubleshooting problems and more time harvesting fragrant leaves. Begin harvesting early and often to keep plants productive through the season.
As a culinary herb, red basil adds both flavor and visual drama to dishes. Harvest the tender leaves for fresh use in salads, pasta, and sauces, or use the entire plant as a garnish. The compact growth habit makes it excellent for container growing on patios and windowsills where fresh basil can be snipped as needed for cooking.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, planting them 1/4 inch deep and keeping the soil at 70°F for best germination. Once seedlings have developed 3 to 4 sets of leaves, they're ready to be transplanted outdoors.
Transplant seedlings to the garden after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed. Space plants 4 inches apart for compact, full growth. Harden off seedlings gradually before moving them to their final outdoor location.
Direct seed 1/4 inch deep, sowing 2 to 3 seeds per inch in rows spaced 18 inches apart. Firm the soil gently over the seeds. Thin seedlings or allow them to grow naturally; final spacing of 4 to 8 inches apart will produce healthy, full plants.
Begin light harvesting once plants are well established, ideally in the early morning when temperatures are cool and leaves are least likely to wilt. Harvest by cutting the entire plant 4 to 6 inches above the ground to encourage a second growth cycle. Complete a full harvest just before the plants begin to flower. Handle leaves carefully as they bruise easily during picking.
Cut the entire plant 4 to 6 inches above the ground to promote a second flush of growth. Begin with light harvesting after plants have become established, then transition to more aggressive harvesting before the plants start to flower to maintain productivity and shape.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.