Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Sweet basil is the quintessential summer herb — aromatic, tender, and inseparable from tomatoes in the garden and on the plate. Needs warmth to thrive but generously rewards the attentive grower.
SowingBoth methods
Sunlight☀️ Full sun
Water💧💧 Moderate
Days to harvest40–60
Soil pH6–7
Spacing20cm × 30cm
Planting Calendar
🌏 Adjusted for southern hemisphere seasons.
Sow indoorsSow outdoorsTransplantHarvest
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Warmth is Key
Basil is a true heat lover — it sulks below 15°C and blackens in the cold. Start indoors in warmth (20–25°C) and don't rush to plant out. In the UK, a frost-free greenhouse or south-facing windowsill is ideal.Pinching Out
Regularly pinch out growing tips and flower buds to encourage bushy growth and delay bolting. Once basil flowers, the leaves lose much of their flavour.Soil: Light, free-draining, fertile soil or compost in a warm, sheltered position