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

12 Apr 14, Lydia Strauss (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
How to dry basil during winter : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_LSzBv9m9Q
13 Apr 14, Pam (Australia - temperate climate)
I would like to grow basil in a sun room
02 Jul 14, Ed (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
How do I stop my basil from just drying up. It is in a pot, on the deck exposed to moderate sun. Deck faces south.
19 Mar 17, (Canada - Zone 6a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Basil doesn't really like full sun. Move it so it only gets the sun in the afternoon and ensure you only water the soil of the plant.
08 Jan 15, Annette (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi. I am an absolute herb growing virgin so any advice would be greatly appreciated. My question is, I want to start a vertical garden outside my kitchen window, where it will get full sun all morning and into the early afternoon as well. Ive read that basil can be quite a large bush. Is it possible to grow it in tubs on a vertical garden?
18 Jan 15, Ferran (Australia - temperate climate)
Basil would be best grown in medium sized pots at the base of a vertical garden as it is a bush herb and you are correct that it will grow large. If your tubs have reasonable clearance it still maybe possible however large plants also have large root systems so the tubs would have to be large. Dill and fennel may also require pots. Running herbs such as oregano, marjoram, mint and thyme will do well in a vertical garden. In most vertical gardens parsley, coriander and spring onions will also work well. Most Herbs thrive with lots of water and vertical gardens risk drying out so make sure to keep it well watered. In the long term remember to replenish the soil of your vertical garden. Starting small compost from kitchen scraps if you don’t have one already would be good. Basil is a hungry plant and will want lots of yummy compost. Also keep in mind that the running herbs like to take over so ensure they are separated or harvested often enough to keep them in check. Growing herbs is very rewarding. Good luck in your herb gardening endeavours.
13 Jun 15, bec (Australia - temperate climate)
My basil plant has slowly started to die off at the bottom it's still only small. Don't want to lose it. Any suggestions?
22 Jun 15, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
Basil is generally considered an annual, so save some seeds and start again in the spring time
22 Jun 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
It is normal, we just lost one. Staff of buntings told us have to wait for at least six weeks before planting again.
13 Sep 15, Leanne (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted basil last year and something ate it all leaving just the stems. It was there one day and gone the next! I don't want the same thing to happen again, but I couldn't work out what ate it. Nothing else in my garden bed was touched. Does anyone have any ideas of what may have eaten my basil?
Showing 41 - 50 of 120 comments

I assume the frosts would hit it where you are.

- Anon

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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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