top of page

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

GROWING SUMMARY​

​

  • Onions are frost hardy and germinate best between

  • Timing:  

  • Direct Seeding

  • Growing Seedlings
    Germination temperature

  • Bed Preparation
    Raised beds
    On the flat

  • Plant Spacing
    Germination temperature

  • Irrigation
    Germination temperature

  • Pests and Diseases
    Germination temperature

  • Harvesting
    November – January depending on variety & location

​

GROWING SUMMARY​

​

  • Frost tender annual - a member of the mint family.  

  • Sow spring and early summer. 

  • Direct sow into the garden when the soil temperature is over 20°C. Plant the seeds 5mm deep, 10mm between plants in rows 300-400mm apart. When well established thin to 100-200mm to allow the plants to grow to a good size. (The thinnings can be used in cooking, or sold)

  • Needs full sun but only moderately fertile soil. 

  • Basil must not be allowed to dry out particularly when the weather gets hot.  

  • Start harvesting by nipping out the growing tips. If the plants look like they want to flower harvest the whole plant 150mm above the ground. This will stimulate a second growth.

  • All types of basil do well grown in pots.

VARIETIES​

​

  • Genovese - the classic Italian sweet basil.  

  • Lettuce Leaf/Mammoth - massive savoyed leaves perfect for pesto.

  • Thai Basil - fine leafed with a spicy, aniseed taste. Green leaves with purple flower buds.

  • Greek Basil - bushy habit with very small, strong tasting leaves. 

bottom of page