Basil crop profile: sowing, temperatures, and harvest
OrtoClima crop rules for Basil.
Basil crop profile
Reference profile for starting basil, checking temperature thresholds, and estimating harvest timing.
Crop summary
- Starting method: direct sowing or transplanting
- Direct-sowing soil threshold: 24 C
- Transplant soil threshold: 24 C
- Night minimum: 12 C
- Frost buffer: 14 days
- Heat stop: 35 C
- Harvest range: 35-60 days
- Indoor lead: 35 days
How to start it
Basil can be started either by direct sowing or by transplanting. Direct sowing follows the soil threshold, while transplanting lets the first stage happen indoors.
For basil, start seedlings indoors about 35 days before transplanting.
Temperature thresholds
The operating thresholds are: direct-sowing soil at least 24 C; transplant soil at least 24 C; night minimum around 12 C.
The frost buffer requires waiting 14 days after the cautious date.
The rule tolerates heat up to about 35 C, but long heat waves remain a practical limit.
Harvest timing
The estimated harvest for basil usually falls after 35-60 days; with transplants, the first stage can happen earlier.
This is a practical average: local climate, variety, exposure, and water management can move the first and last harvest dates.
Seasonal notes
- Autumn is not a standard window: keep the cycle in the warmer or more stable part of the year.
- The heat stop is high, but long heat waves can still reduce set, establishment, or quality.
- The positive frost buffer moves starting dates after the cautious last-frost date.
FAQ
What starting method is used for basil?
The recommended starting method is direct sowing or transplanting. The main thresholds are direct-sowing soil 24 C, transplant soil 24 C, and night minimum 12 C.
What is the average harvest timing for basil?
The indicative harvest range is 35-60 days. The local page can move these dates according to the municipality and climate.
What climate limits does basil have?
The frost buffer is 14 days and the heat stop is 35 C. These values describe the crop's general needs; municipality pages adapt them to local climate.
How much indoor lead does basil need?
Yes. Start seedlings indoors about 35 days before transplanting.