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

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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.
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13 Apr 14, Pam (Australia - temperate climate)
I would like to grow basil in a sun room
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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
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28 Feb 14, Giten Shah (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi, We want to buy Basil Seeds .Its available in South africa
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25 Feb 14, Caryll (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I always struggled to grow basil! I plant the in pots and keep them I the sun outside but they never last and they look unhappy. Please help! Thank you, Caryll
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02 Oct 13, Willie (Australia - temperate climate)
I have Basil in the Raised Gardenbed, I have brown spots what is the best way to get rid of them
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15 Oct 13, Emma (Australia - temperate climate)
Sounds like aphids. Use a garlic oil, squash them with your thumb and encourage ladybirds as they eat aphids.
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16 Oct 13, Dylan (Australia - temperate climate)
I find that growing Alyssum and flowering Coriander does a great job. The Alyssum attracts hoverflys and the Coriander ladybirds and hoverflys.
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30 Sep 13, Barbara (Australia - temperate climate)
My basil gets tiny black bugs on it. Is there a way to get rid of the little bugs without chemical spray?
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12 Aug 13, Johan Moll (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Good day I am a small scale bee hobbyist, I have 40 full bee brood boxes and am looking for a plant to plant that have a lot of pollen and nectar. A fiend told me that wild basil is the best plant to plant to help the bees produce the best honey during nectar flow. Maybe you can assist me with info to help my hobby grow. Johan
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Showing 81 - 90 of 123 comments
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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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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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