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 64°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 - 10 inches apart
  • Harvest in 10-12 weeks. Pick before flowering.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Tomato

Your comments and tips

12 Nov 17, trish (Australia - temperate climate)
Do you think the copper would work with black millipedes? (Or do you reckon with all their little legs there would be insufficient deterant?)
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?
01 Oct 15, Jane (Australia - temperate climate)
I have the same problem with possums. This year I am going to try growing it in a cage.
29 Sep 15, eddie (Australia - temperate climate)
It could be various things however id suggest something clearly visible if it can devour your entire plant overnight caterpillars and snails are the usual suspects
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 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
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.
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.
Showing 71 - 80 of 123 comments

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.

- Ferran

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