Seed Depth: ¼ inch

Seed Spacing: 8–12 inches

Row Spacing: 18–24 inches

Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)

Days to Sprout: 5–10 days

Days to Maturity: 70–75 days

Growth Habit: Compact, branching annual herb

Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily) for best flavor and leaf color.

Soil Type: Prefers rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.

When to Plant: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date, or sow directly outdoors once soil is warm (above 65°F) and all frost danger has passed.

Direct Sowing: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, spaced 8–12 inches apart, with rows 18–24 inches apart. Thin seedlings once established to proper spacing.

Indoor Sowing: Sow seeds in trays or pots with a light covering of soil. Keep warm (70–75°F) and provide bright light. Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors.

Succession Planting: Sow every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest of fresh leaves throughout the season.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Basil prefers even watering; avoid letting soil dry out completely between waterings.

Weeding: Weed regularly around plants to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or compost tea every 3–4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce leaf flavor.

Mulching: Use a light mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch away from the base of the plant.

Pruning: Pinch off flower buds regularly to encourage leafy growth and prolong harvest.

Pest Management: Watch for aphids, Japanese beetles, and slugs. Hand-pick pests when possible, or use organic sprays like neem oil.

When to Harvest: Begin harvesting once plants are 6–8 inches tall and have several sets of leaves. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth.

How to Harvest: Pinch or snip leaves and stems just above a leaf node. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.

Storing Fresh: Place freshly cut stems in a glass of water on the counter, or wrap leaves in a damp paper towel and refrigerate for up to a week.

Drying Basil: Bundle stems and hang upside down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space. Once crisp, crumble leaves and store in airtight containers.

Freezing Basil: Chop leaves and freeze in ice cube trays with olive oil or water for long-term storage.

Allow to Flower: Select a few healthy plants and let them flower and form seed heads.

Seed Maturity: Wait until flower spikes turn brown and dry on the plant.

Harvesting Seeds: Cut seed heads and place in a paper bag to finish drying. Rub gently to release seeds, then remove debris.

Storage: Keep seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry location; viable for up to 5 years.

An image of Red Rubin Basil growing in a garden

folderType: Herb Seeds
settingsSKU: 87375

Basil Seeds - Red Rubin

Name: Basil Seeds - Red Rubin
Brand: Sow Me Seeds
SKU: 87375
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$2.00

Seed Packet Size: 500mg

500mg 2g

Quantity

history

Red Rubin Basil is a striking heirloom variety that combines ornamental beauty with classic basil flavor. Its deep burgundy leaves stand out in the garden and add bold color and aroma to a wide range of dishes. Compact and easy to grow, it’s perfect for both containers and garden beds.

Why You’ll Love It

Unique Appearance: Deep red-purple leaves bring color and contrast to any garden.

Classic Basil Flavor: Sweet, aromatic, and slightly spicy flavor, similar to Italian basil.

Dual Purpose: Grown as much for its ornamental value as for its culinary use.

Container Friendly: Compact growth makes it excellent for patios, raised beds, and indoor pots.

Plant Characteristics

Height: 12–18 inches

Growth Habit: Compact, branching annual herb

Leaf Type: Smooth, glossy burgundy leaves

Days to Maturity: 70–75 days

Hardiness: Tender annual

Flavor and Culinary Uses

Flavor: Sweet, slightly spicy, and aromatic with a rich basil fragrance

Culinary Uses: Perfect for pesto, salads, pasta, vinegars, and garnishes; adds striking color to fresh dishes

Companion Planting Tips

Good Companions: Tomatoes, peppers, oregano, and marigolds

Avoid Planting Near: Rue and sage

Bonus Benefit: Attracts pollinators while repelling aphids and mosquitoes

Common Issues and Solutions

Flowering Too Early: Pinch back flower buds to extend harvest and maintain leaf flavor.

Yellowing Leaves: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage — ensure soil stays moist but not soggy.

Powdery Mildew: Water at the base of the plant and provide good air circulation.

Seeds Per Packet

500mg	Approximately 320
2g	Approximately 1,280