Growing Basil

Ocimum basilicum : Lamiaceae / the mint family

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

(Best months for growing Basil in New Zealand - cool/mountain 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

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22 Mar 09, Mathew (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi all planted basil in half shade half sun so far grows average and plants are about 1 foot high after a month. Have been keeping well trimmed
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01 Feb 09, Gail Lamb-Hale (Australia - temperate climate)
Paul thank you for your tip on basil I will give it a go as I have not had much joy in growing basil Korumburra can be a bit up and down in weather patterns
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20 Dec 08, Paul Lehmann (Australia - temperate climate)
Basil is very hard to start from seed but I have found if you have a seed sprouting set and put them in there, they will eventually shoot. Pick out each sprouted seed on a toothpick and place in a pot with wet soil sitting in a tray of water to keep the soil moist. The sprouted seed will take to the soil and you can water as needed.
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Showing 121 - 123 of 123 comments
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Thanks Mike. With basil, do the leaves need to be picked small (do they go spindly/woody) or can they be picked big?

- Jane

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