🍀 Basil: Growing Guide
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at 18–32 °C (64–90 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Space plants about 20 cm (7.9 in) apart. Expect 30–60 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Ocimum basilicum |
|---|---|
| Category | Herbs |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | 18–32 °C (64–90 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 30–60 days |
| Sowing depth | 0.5 cm (0.2 in) |
| Height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||
| Continental | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||
| Tropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Mar · Plant out: Apr–May · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Mar–Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Mar–Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Jan, Aug · Plant out: Feb, Sep · Harvest: Mar–May, Oct–Nov.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jan, Jul–Aug · Harvest: Feb–Apr, Sep–Nov.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Sow: Feb, Sep · Plant out: Mar, Oct · Harvest: Apr–May, Nov.
Watering
Water about every 1 day in summer and about every 4 days in winter. Loves moisture, don't let it dry out.
Growing tips
Pinch off flower buds for better flavor. Avoid wetting the leaves. Sensitive to cold.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Frequently asked questions
Basil: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Mar · Plant out: Apr–May · Harvest: Jun–Aug. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Mar–Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Aug. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Mar–Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
Basil: how often should I water it?
Water about every 1 day in summer and about every 4 days in winter. Loves moisture, don't let it dry out.
Basil: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 20 cm (7.9 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 0.5 cm (0.2 in).
Basil: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 30–60 days.
Basil: which plants grow well with it?
Tomato, Pepper, Eggplant.
Plan your garden
Add Basil to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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