Basil (sweet basil)

Ocimum basilicum

Family: Lamiaceae

Quick stats

Family	Lamiaceae
Typical harvest	16.0 t/ha
Varieties	3
Pests & diseases	4
Seasons	0

Crop profile

Growth habit	annual
Days to harvest	90
Main uses	Fresh and dried leaves for culinary use, herbal teas and essential oils.
Pollination	insect
Origin / where it grows	Native to tropical regions; widely grown in warm, frost-free areas around the world.

Weather, soil & spacing

Best temperature	18–30 °C
Rainfall	700–1200 mm/yr
Altitude	0–2000 m
Best pH	6–7
Soil type	Light to medium-textured, well-drained soils rich in organic matter.
Row spacing	40 cm
Plant spacing	25 cm
Planting depth	1 cm
Seed rate	4 kg/ha
Nursery days	25

Simple notes for farmers

About the crop: This crop is annual. You plant, grow and harvest it in one main season, then plant again. You can normally start harvesting about 90 days after planting, depending on care and variety.

Main use: Farmers mostly grow this crop for fresh and dried leaves for culinary use, herbal teas and essential oils..

Pollination: This crop is mainly pollinated by insect. Keeping flowers healthy and having insects like bees in the field helps improve fruit set and yields.

Where it grows: Native to tropical regions; widely grown in warm, frost-free areas around the world. It is grouped under: Spices & Condiments.

Best climate: This crop does well in warm areas where the temperature is usually between 18 and 30 degrees Celsius. It prefers places that receive around 700 to 1200 millimetres of rain in a year. It can grow from near sea level up to about 2000 metres above sea level.

Soil: The crop grows best in slightly acidic to near neutral soils, with a pH of about 6 to 7. It does well in light to medium-textured, well-drained soils rich in organic matter.. Good drainage is important, so avoid waterlogged spots.

Plant spacing: Plant in rows about 40 centimetres apart, and leave about 25 centimetres between plants in the row. This gives each plant enough space for roots and canopy to spread.

Planting depth: Dig planting holes or furrows about 1 centimetres deep so the roots sit firmly in the soil but are not buried too deep.

Seed or planting material: Use around 4 kilograms of seed or planting material per hectare. Spread or plant evenly so the field has a good stand without being overcrowded.

Nursery period: If you raise seedlings in a nursery, keep them there for about 25 days before transplanting to the main field, when they are strong and healthy.

Farmer guide (mwongozo wa mkulima)

Planting: Sow seeds in a fine nursery or seedling trays and transplant at 4–6 true leaves, or direct seed on well-prepared beds after danger of frost.

Transplanting: Harden seedlings for about a week before transplanting in the late afternoon to reduce stress.

Irrigation: Maintain even moisture, especially during establishment and after each cutting; avoid overwatering.

Fertigation: Under drip, use frequent small doses of N and K to encourage leafy growth and fast regrowth after harvest.

Pest scouting: Scout weekly for leaf spots, downy mildew, aphids and whiteflies; remove severely affected plants and improve airflow.

Pruning: Pinch off flower buds early and harvest by cutting 10–15 cm above ground to encourage branching and tillering.

Harvest: First harvest 6–8 weeks after planting/ transplanting when plants are 20–30 cm tall. Harvest in the cool of the day to preserve aroma.

Postharvest: Handle gently to avoid bruising; bunch or pack in cool, shaded conditions. For drying, use shade or low-temperature drying to preserve colour and aroma.

Nutrient schedule (mbolea kwa hatua)

#	Stage	DAP	Product	Rate	Targets (kg/ha)	Notes
1	Basal at planting	0	NPK 17-17-17 + compost	80 kg/ha (plus 3–5 t/ha compost)	N: 14, P₂O₅: 14, K₂O: 14	Incorporate into topsoil before sowing or transplanting.
2	Vegetative topdress	25	CAN 26% N	80 kg/ha	N: 21, P₂O₅: 0, K₂O: 0	Side-dress on moist soil along rows, then water in.
3	Post-cut regrowth feed	55	NPK 20-10-10 or similar	60 kg/ha after first major cut	N: 12, P₂O₅: 6, K₂O: 6	Apply immediately after cutting, then irrigate to support regrowth.

Nutrient requirements

Nutrient	Stage	Amount	Unit
N	Basal	30	kg/ha
P₂O₅	Basal	25	kg/ha
K₂O	Basal	25	kg/ha
N	Vegetative_boost	30	kg/ha
P₂O₅	Vegetative_boost	10	kg/ha
K₂O	Vegetative_boost	20	kg/ha
N	After_cut	20	kg/ha
P₂O₅	After_cut	0	kg/ha
K₂O	After_cut	20	kg/ha

Field images (picha shambani)

Name	Country	Maturity	Traits
Genovese-type basil	KE	80	Large leaves, strong aroma, preferred for fresh market.
Fine-leaf basil selection	TZ	75	Smaller leaves, intense flavour, suited to drying.
Local basil (African basil) type	UG	90	Hardy local type used for tea and medicinal purposes.

Stage	Product	Rate (kg/ha)	Notes
Basal	NPK 17-17-17 + compost	80	Apply with 3–5 t/ha compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Vegetative	CAN 26% N	80	About 3–4 weeks after emergence or transplanting.
After cut	NPK 20-10-10	60	Apply after main harvests in intensively managed herb systems.

Name	Type	Management
Downy mildew	disease	Improve spacing and airflow, avoid overhead irrigation in late day, remove infected plants promptly.
Leaf spot (Alternaria / Cercospora complex)	disease	Use clean seed, rotate with non-hosts, avoid prolonged leaf wetness.
Aphids	pest	Encourage natural enemies, use water jets or soft soaps where appropriate, avoid excessive N.
Whiteflies	pest	Use yellow sticky traps, remove heavily infested plants, encourage beneficial insects.

System	Typical	Min	Max	Notes
Low-input smallholder (fresh)	8	5	10	Rainfed beds with basic manuring and 2–3 cuttings.
Managed beds with irrigation	15	10	20	Regular weeding, watering and modest NPK; 3–4 cuttings.
Intensive irrigated herb production	25	15	30	High planting density, fertigation and frequent harvests for fresh market.

No season calendars yet.

Country	Region	Suitability
KE	Central & Rift highlands; irrigated peri-urban zones
TZ	Northern and southern highlands; irrigated plains
UG	Mid-altitude belts near urban markets