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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03 Apr 23, Kelly (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Thanks!! I live in 9b also. Great tip!
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21 Sep 19, Benjamin (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi guys just wondering can you grow Basil all year round if I plant the basil in the ground when it cools down again for winter will it come back or should I keep it in pots in the winter months undercover and replant again in med September.
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16 Nov 19, Michelle (Australia - temperate climate)
My Basil has grown all year round in Melbourne as I gave it protection from the wintery frost.
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23 Sep 19, Anon (Australia - arid climate)
Ask around and see if you get some perennial basil. It grows all year.
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30 May 19, Patrick (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi , Have successfully grown Basil in large pots this summer ,with the cooler weather upon us have cut the plants right back - 4/5 cms from ground level - will the plants now survive the winter and become productive again next summer or should I simply pull them out and start afresh in the late spring? Your comments / advice please
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18 Jun 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Why would you cut a plant back so hard? It's like you going from 5 meals a day to one snack.
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28 Sep 18, Muffin (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Your page doesnt mention about how to water basil. Does it need a lot, a little, often or not too often?
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01 Sep 18, Pam Luxmoore (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I’m at my cousins place on Mt Tamborine. Magnificent views over Gold Coast. Can I plant basil seeds now for her and do they like full morning sun ( view of coast ) or afternoon sun the other side. Could easily grow inside or outside with partial shade etc. thanks Pam
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02 Sep 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google it - basil full sun. 6-8 hrs of sunlight.
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19 Aug 18, Joe (Australia - temperate climate)
I have cleared my entire garden and am planning starting veggies and herbs. My garden has areas that are full sun, partial sun, and full shade. I live in Perth, WA, temperate climate. Can anyone help me in finding out which veggies like to be planted in full sun , partial sun, and shady parts of my garden ? Thanks Joe
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Showing 11 - 20 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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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. GardenGrow 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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