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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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.
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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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Showing 81 - 90 of 124 comments
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I live North Shore Auckland. I've tried to grow allsorts of veg & herbs in pots from seeds outdoors with mixed success. The basil was one of my dismal failures. I now grow all my seeds indoors until the weather is warmer and the plants are well established. I find starting indoors is a lot more convenient for keeping an eye on progress. Regards basil, I find the seeds grow well starting indoors but take a while to get established once outdoors, then they go crazy! Since starting indoors I now have few failures but there are some things to be aware of: Light - needs good light so the seedlings don't become leggy. Be aware that near glass (windows/doors) can cause burn damage. Turn the pots around regularly so the plants don't lean. Don't over crowd, thin out seedlings if necessary. Temperature - Note the soil temperature required to germinate. Overheating during the day, too cold at night. I put a box over the pots at night to protect from sudden drops in temperatures. Ventilation - Ensure good air flow to minimise risk of disease, be aware of cold draughts coming from open windows at night. Watering - My seeds are sown in different sized pots/trays depending on what they are. I use

- Karen

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