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

07 Jul 18, LD (Australia - arid climate)
My Basil is being invaded by caterpillars. How can I get rid of them?
23 Sep 18, Louise G (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Small green caterpillars. Either pick them off by hand or sprinkle with ground pepper for an organic fix. You may need to squirt leaves with water first. This works with spinach and mint too.
24 May 18, Margaret (Australia - temperate climate)
Can you get a basil that grows in winter I get morning and northern sun my other herbs are growing great
25 May 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I was given a basil plant yesterday - from up north Queensland. He said it flowered in the late winter - spring. Growing it for bee attraction. Will ask what it is called tomorrow.
14 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
This plant is now a 1.2m ball of leaves and flower/seeds.
24 May 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Basil is frost-tender and needs lots of sunlight
20 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I garden at a men's shed and the boss bought some perennial basil back from Townsville to Bundy in June. I planted it in a light truck tyre with some good soil, put a supporting wire mess cone around it and boy has it grown. It is now a 1.2m ball and has heaps of flowers and bees.
08 Apr 18, Dale (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have just pulled out about 10 basil plants ( lots of seedlings coming up) because I am so sick and tired of the cloud of grasshoppers taking residence in our veggie patch and eating the basil... Basil is one of my favorite herbs ,but these grasshoppers are really owning my patch...any advise would be much appreciated.
09 Apr 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try shade cloth or mossy netting over them for a few weeks.
10 Apr 18, Dale (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thanks Mike for the hint. I spotted an unusual roll of shade cloth at Bunnings, and it was very closely woven- I think it was a beige colour. But I got confused with all the price tags and descriptions that I just gave it a miss.(looks expensive) What is mossy netting and where do you buy it? Blessings to you on this fine day.
Showing 21 - 30 of 120 comments

When is it safe to plant basil plants in pots outdoors?

- Joe Ruscigno

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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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