Growing Basil

Ocimum basilicum : Lamiaceae / the mint family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
S S           S S S S S
T T T           T T T T

(Best months for growing Basil in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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

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.
13 Apr 14, Pam (Australia - temperate climate)
I would like to grow basil in a sun room
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
28 Feb 14, Giten Shah (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi, We want to buy Basil Seeds .Its available in South africa
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
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
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.
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.
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?
Showing 81 - 90 of 124 comments

Hi Liz; I used to live in Miami, Your best bet is to buy a plant and just use the shoots of the plant. Place in a small container with water until you see roots and then transplant to soil. Basil is a very strong plant making it easy to grow. The more sun it gets the strongest the flavor and aroma. Good luck

- Wendy

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