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 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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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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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

- Gail Lamb-Hale

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