Growing Basil

Ocimum basilicum : Lamiaceae / the mint family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
      T                
      P P              

(Best months for growing Basil in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 18°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 25 cm apart
  • Harvest in 10-12 weeks. Pick before flowering.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Tomato
  • A Basil plant
  • Basil flower

A frost tender low-growing herb. Basil is a culinary herb prominently featured in Italian cuisine, and also plays a major role in the Southeast Asian cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. The plant tastes somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent sweet smell. There are many varieties including Thai, purple ruffles, and lemon.

In frost-free regions perennial basil varieties will survive for years and the bush will keep on getting bigger and bigger.

Can be grown inside in pots in winter. As the plant develops, pinch out the top to encourage bushy growth. Pick off the flowers to encourage more leaf growth.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Basil

Basil is commonly used fresh in cooked recipes. It is generally added at the last moment, as cooking quickly destroys the flavour. Tear rather than chop.
The fresh herb can be kept for a short time in plastic bags in the refrigerator, or for a longer period in the freezer, after being blanched quickly in boiling water.

Your comments and tips

23 Aug 24, John (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I used to have a basil bush that was perennial not annual. It was very conveniant and produced very good basil, however it was removed during renovations What is it known as, as I would like to plant more of them
16 May 24, Merle Boshoff (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
How would I keep Asian blue basil growing in winter. Con one cover the plants with light weight fabric over night ? I make pesto to sell and need this basil in winter once the Holy basil season ends. Regards and thanks Merle P.S. selling only small quantities at a weekly market day in very small town
28 May 24, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Moist plants have a life cycle. Plants generally have a temperature range they grow in.
15 Aug 22, Anna (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Basil will die off immediately in the very first frost, with black leaves you can't use. Plant it in a pot so you can move it indoors in winter, or pick and dry all the leaves before first frost and plant new seeds each year.
03 Feb 22, Douglas Pearce (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Best month to sow chickpeas in Johannesburg?
26 Apr 20, Georgia (New Zealand - temperate climate)
We've got a Basil plant in a raised vege patch outdoors, in Nelson. Any tips on what to do with it as we come into winter? Should I try and transplant it indoors? Or give it a good prune and then let it be? Or am I fighting a losing battle trying to keep it alive?
27 Apr 20, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I assume the frosts would hit it where you are.
10 Apr 20, Joe Ruscigno (USA - Zone 7b climate)
When is it safe to plant basil plants in pots outdoors?
29 Feb 20, Laura (USA - Zone 7a climate)
I’m in Zone 7a/b. When planting seeds in trays, how much light should they get? My cats destroy all plants, so I need to find a place they don’t go, and I’m not sure there’s enough light in that room. Unless just normal daylight from a window is adequate for the germination period (I have 10 black thumbs and really want to get this one right. I’m tired of paying so much for fresh basil from the grocery store)
22 Aug 20, Reeny (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Basil grows indoors easily from seeds! The main thing is to get a LED grow light lamp (Amazon has them on goosenecks for about $20 for a double-neck full spectrum lamp). They mimic the sun. So worth it for indoor plants!
Showing 1 - 10 of 123 comments

Don't pinch or cut the leaves off. Instead use scissors to cut the *stem* just below the pair of leaves you intend to harvest. Then, in the kitchen, pick the leaves off the stem while washing them.

- Anonymous

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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