Ravenna Basil Seeds

Bring rich color and fresh basil harvests to your patio with Ravenna, a compact basil with deep red leaves, dense branching, and very slow bolting. Its tidy growth habit makes it a standout in containers, raised beds, and mixed herb gardens. Keep a planter close to the kitchen and enjoy repeated cuttings of short, tender stems through warm weather.

• Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum
• Days to maturity: 65–75 days
• Plant type: Annual herb
• Seed type: Non-GMO, open-pollinated
• Growth habit: Compact, densely branching, very slow to bolt
• Best uses: Containers, garden plots, raised beds, greenhouses, and fresh-cut kitchen harvests

Growing Ravenna Basil

Direct sow after all danger of frost has passed, or start indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and keep the soil warm and evenly moist during germination. Wait until warm weather has settled before planting outdoors.

Choose full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Space plants 8–12 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart, allowing room for branching and airflow. For square foot gardening, plant 1 plant per sq ft.

Care for Compact, Leafy Plants

Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage bushy growth. Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy, and avoid crowding. Ravenna's very slow bolting habit supports a longer cutting window, but remove flower buds if they appear to keep plants focused on leaf production.

Harvesting Ravenna Basil

Begin harvesting when plants are established and have enough growth to support repeated cutting. Snip stems just above a leaf pair to encourage branching and regrowth. Harvest often for short, tender stems and fresh leaves while leaving enough foliage for the plant to recover.

Why Grow Ravenna?

Deep red foliage gives Ravenna ornamental appeal as well as kitchen usefulness. Its compact, high-density branching makes it a practical choice for patio planters and repeated fresh-cut harvests. Pair it with green herbs for a colorful container planting.

Tips From Our Gardeners

Do not rush basil into cold weather. Give Ravenna steady warmth, full sun, and regular pinching, then enjoy its rich foliage color and extended harvest window.