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 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

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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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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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17 Feb 12, Dion (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When Basil is producing leaves on mass, I make up a big batch of simple pesto - normally using just basil, roasted almonds, lemon juice, and olive oil (plus maybe garlic, chilli, or cheese). It keeps very well in the freezer in take away containers, and it means I can bust out a Spaghetti Pesto in about 10 minutes. I would advise strongly against drying basil as it really tastes terrible - as does dried parsley and coriander. These herbs are really meant to be eaten fresh.
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29 Jan 12, Kate (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My Basil isnt growing at all this year
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13 Apr 14, JD Ferry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Morning sun, good drainage, warm soil temps.
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26 Jan 15, Anthony (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Mine neither, although the basil I have transplanted has done well, but from seeds .. it has done no good.
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13 Feb 12, Rose (Australia - temperate climate)
Try a different position to grow and add a lot of nitrogenous fertilizer and manure,... Or better still try a different variety
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Showing 51 - 60 of 79 comments
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We have a few basil plants around a foot high right now and are picking and eating happily. They haven't flowered, and I'm told I should pinch off the flowers to prevent it. my question - I'm such a beginner - do they die off and require replacing, or do the carry on forever if I keep pinching off the flowering heads? If they die, I should be planting again now!

- Trish

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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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