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

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!
03 Apr 23, Kelly (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Thanks!! I live in 9b also. Great tip!
21 Sep 19, Benjamin (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi guys just wondering can you grow Basil all year round if I plant the basil in the ground when it cools down again for winter will it come back or should I keep it in pots in the winter months undercover and replant again in med September.
16 Nov 19, Michelle (Australia - temperate climate)
My Basil has grown all year round in Melbourne as I gave it protection from the wintery frost.
Showing 1 - 10 of 120 comments

I assume the frosts would hit it where you are.

- Anon

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.