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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Apr 14, Pam (Australia - temperate climate)
I would like to grow basil in a sun room
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Feb 14, Giten Shah (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi, We want to buy Basil Seeds .Its available in South africa
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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?
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Aug 13, Johan Moll (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Good day I am a small scale bee hobbyist, I have 40 full bee brood boxes and am looking for a plant to plant that have a lot of pollen and nectar. A fiend told me that wild basil is the best plant to plant to help the bees produce the best honey during nectar flow. Maybe you can assist me with info to help my hobby grow. Johan
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 81 - 90 of 123 comments
See comments for all plants

You can actually just cut them right back and dry an excess in the oven (very low temp for 45 min or so). the plant will look like death, but tends to start growing again. If it dosent it's an easy herb to keep seeding. I still have the same "bush" that Ive had in a pot for 3 years. Pick, dry regrow start again!

- craig

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.