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

20 Apr 18, Carol (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
If you'd like to save money then go to an op-shop and pick up some net curtains. They're easy to find and will be very cheap. That will let the sun and air in but keep the bugs out
12 Apr 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Mossy netting is mosquito netting - in the old days you hung this over your bed to keep the mosquitos out. They sell it at Spotlight - about $7/mr. What width I don't know. 70% shade cloth at Bunnings is approx. $5-7/mtr - that is 1.83m x 1mtr. It has multi uses in gardening.
15 Apr 21, Jane (Australia - tropical climate)
Thanks Mike. With basil, do the leaves need to be picked small (do they go spindly/woody) or can they be picked big?
06 Apr 18, Charlene (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted Basil seeds 19 Feb they come up lovely, but 5wks later they are still 3cm tall. They get plenty of sun and enough water why arent they growing anymore.
16 Jan 18, Nicole (Australia - temperate climate)
How many hours of sun would you recommend for basil? My back balcony only receives 4 hours of direct sunlight in Summer. I'm currently living in a new apartment and am expecting this number to decrease as it approaches Winter. Will the basil survive in this environment?
17 Jan 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Seed selling company recommends full sun. Just give it a try and see what happens.
22 Dec 17, Joe Raulli (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I purchase Basil Seeds the soft leaf type that does not go black when crushed for Pesto.
28 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Go to Seed Collection or Boondie on the internet and look at the photos. Or you could even email them and ask.
23 Aug 17, M K Sharma (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
hi, i want to buy Basil plant.Its available in cape town, South Africa.
09 Jul 17, Jayne (USA - Zone 11a climate)
Hi, I'm in Zone 11a and need some clarification. For example regarding Basil, when you state 'P - Plant In The Garden' are you meaning plant seeds in seed trays in these months or to plant out young plants (that were seed sown in trays 4-6 wks earlier) in these months? Hope that question makes sense! Thanks. (P-Plant in garden means plant into the ground unless your local weather is not suitable - in which case, start basil in a seed tray and transfer later. - Liz)
Showing 31 - 40 of 120 comments

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.

- Dale

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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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