Seed Availability
- VDF Specialty Seeds: Commercial growers can buy four new varieties of downy mildew resistant (DMR) sweet basil seeds (Rutgers Obsession DMR, Rutgers Devotion DMR, Rutgers Thunderstruck DMR, and Rutgers Passion DMR) in bulk from VDF Specialty Seeds, starting Winter 2018.
- Home gardeners will be able to buy seeds once a distribution line is established; estimated release date is 2019.
Plant Availability
Many supermarkets carry Jersey Fresh basil all year round. Look for the Jersey Fresh label.
New Jersey’s long-running basil season extends from spring to fall. Basil is an aromatic herb typically found in New Jersey from June through the end of September. You can find it at several farmer’s markets throughout the state. For listings of community farmer’s markets and roadside markets, go to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Jersey Fresh site or call your county Rutgers Cooperative Extension office.
Sources
VDF Specialty Seeds
Jersey Fresh
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
NJ Seasonality Chart