How to Grow Ultra Basil
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Ultra Basil
Ocimum basilicum 'Ultra'
herbUltra basil is a compact, high-yielding cultivar of sweet basil bred for superior leaf production and intense flavor. It features densely packed, medium-sized leaves on a bushy plant that reaches only 12-18 inches tall, making it ideal for containers and small spaces. This variety is known for exceptional disease resistance and a long harvest season.
When should you plant Ultra Basil in your zone?
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Example Ultra Basil timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ultra Basil
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Ultra Basil
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ultra Basil dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11 as an annual; treat as tender annual everywhere except warm tropical regions
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Germination & Seedling
7-14 days germination, 2-3 weeks to thinning stageTiny seedlings emerge with two small cotyledons (seed leaves), followed by first true leaves. Plant remains very delicate and tiny.
Provide consistent warmth (70-75°F ideal), high humidity, and bright indirect light. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and leaf pairs rapidly. Bushy growth with increasingly dense foliage. Height increases to 6-12 inches without pinching.
Pinch off growing tip when plant has 6-8 leaves to encourage bushier growth and prevent early flowering. Maintain consistent moisture and full sun exposure. Side-dress with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Flowering Induction
Ongoing throughout season if not pinchedPlant reaches mature size (12-18 inches). Flower spikes begin forming at stem tips with small white, pink, or purple flowers clustered together.
Continue pinching flowers to extend leaf production and delay seed setting, which diverts energy from foliage. Ultra variety resists bolting better than standard basil but benefits from regular deadheading.
Leaf Harvest & Maintenance
6-12 weeks depending on climate and carePlant is in peak production with full, dense foliage. Regular harvesting keeps plant vigorous and prevents it from becoming woody.
Harvest leaves regularly from top and sides to maintain bushiness. Never remove more than one-third of plant at once. Continue fertilizing and consistent watering. Remove any diseased or yellowing leaves immediately.
End of Season
1-4 weeks before frost killIn fall or when temperatures drop below 50°F, plant growth slows significantly. Leaves may become smaller and less tender. Plant eventually dies in frost.
Harvest aggressively before first frost if possible. Can extend season by moving containers indoors to a sunny window. No frost tolerance—bring indoors or accept plant's death.
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning; use neem oil spray; encourage predatory insects like parasitic wasps
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or miticide if severe
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves
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Remove damaged leaves; use blue sticky traps; spray with neem oil or spinosad
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Ultra variety has improved resistance; ensure excellent drainage; remove affected plants; avoid overhead watering; rotate planting locations
Uses
Fresh Pesto & Sauces
CulinaryUltra basil's intense, aromatic flavor and high leaf yield make it ideal for traditional Italian pesto, Thai green curry pastes, and fresh herb sauces. The compact growth habit provides abundant harvestable leaves throughout the season. [source]
Fresh Cooking & Flavoring
CulinaryUse fresh leaves to flavor pasta dishes, Caprese salads, soups, vinegars, oils, and beverages. Basil's volatile oils provide distinctive licorice-mint flavor best appreciated when raw or added at the end of cooking. [source]
Herbal Tea & Digestive Aid
MedicinalBrew fresh or dried basil leaves as a soothing tea to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidant benefits. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Mediterranean herbalism for its warming properties. [source]
Natural Aromatics & Pest Deterrent
HouseholdDried basil retains strong fragrance for potpourri and sachets. Living basil plants naturally repel flies, mosquitoes, and other insects due to their volatile essential oils, making them useful near windows and sitting areas. [source]
Dried Herb & Culinary Garnish
CraftDry basil leaves by hanging stems or using a dehydrator to preserve for winter use. Dried basil concentrates flavors and stores well in airtight containers for months. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting leaves once plant has 6-8 leaf pairs (about 4-5 weeks after planting). Pinch off leaf clusters from the top and sides regularly to encourage bushier growth. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and aroma. Never remove more than one-third of the plant at once. The more you harvest, the more the plant produces—regular harvesting extends productivity. Pinch off flower buds to redirect energy to foliage production and maintain tender leaf texture.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ultra basil was specifically bred by seed companies to resist Fusarium wilt, a common fungal disease that devastates standard basil varieties, making it more reliable for home gardeners.
- 🌱 Basil is native to tropical regions of central Africa and Southeast Asia and was cultivated as a sacred plant in Hindu temples thousands of years ago.
- 🌱 Unlike most herbs that become stronger-flavored when dried, basil's flavor diminishes significantly when dried due to loss of volatile aromatic oils, so fresh basil is always preferred for best flavor.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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