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

Your comments and tips

23 Sep 19, Anon (Australia - arid climate)
Ask around and see if you get some perennial basil. It grows all year.
30 May 19, Patrick (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi , Have successfully grown Basil in large pots this summer ,with the cooler weather upon us have cut the plants right back - 4/5 cms from ground level - will the plants now survive the winter and become productive again next summer or should I simply pull them out and start afresh in the late spring? Your comments / advice please
18 Jun 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Why would you cut a plant back so hard? It's like you going from 5 meals a day to one snack.
28 Sep 18, Muffin (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Your page doesnt mention about how to water basil. Does it need a lot, a little, often or not too often?
01 Sep 18, Pam Luxmoore (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I’m at my cousins place on Mt Tamborine. Magnificent views over Gold Coast. Can I plant basil seeds now for her and do they like full morning sun ( view of coast ) or afternoon sun the other side. Could easily grow inside or outside with partial shade etc. thanks Pam
02 Sep 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google it - basil full sun. 6-8 hrs of sunlight.
19 Aug 18, Joe (Australia - temperate climate)
I have cleared my entire garden and am planning starting veggies and herbs. My garden has areas that are full sun, partial sun, and full shade. I live in Perth, WA, temperate climate. Can anyone help me in finding out which veggies like to be planted in full sun , partial sun, and shady parts of my garden ? Thanks Joe
25 Aug 18, Peta (Australia - temperate climate)
Just remember that "Perth sun" is stronger than normal sun. so most plants that are "full sun" need partial shade in our summers. Now is definitely tomato and basil season. I would figure out what you like to eat first and put those in as a priority and work around them. Ask your local garden centre including your local hardware garden centre :)
27 Aug 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
I would dispute that the Perth sun is stronger than normal sun. 35 or 40 degrees is the same everywhere. It is the humidity or dryness that is the difference. A humid 35 degrees in SE Qld is just as prickly as a 40+ dry Easterly in Perth. I have lived in both and I know which I would prefer - WA.
20 Aug 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Look up the internet for how much sunlight vegies need. You can find a table that shows this. Some need 4 some 6 some 8 hours. Most plants need quite a lot of sunlight - otherwise you end up with small weak plants.
Showing 11 - 20 of 120 comments

Look up the internet for how much sunlight vegies need. You can find a table that shows this. Some need 4 some 6 some 8 hours. Most plants need quite a lot of sunlight - otherwise you end up with small weak plants.

- Mike

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