Leslie Massey
Basil is a fragrant herb native to tropical areas of Central Africa and Southeast Asia. It is easy to grow and versatile, with over 100 species to choose from. In Australia, the best time to plant basil is from late spring to early summer, ensuring warm weather for the plants to grow well. Basil thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C and needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. It is best grown in well-drained soil and requires regular watering without overdoing it, as this can lead to root rot. Basil can be grown in pots or directly in the garden and is a delicious addition to any dish, providing a touch of refinement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to plant | Late spring to early summer |
| Climate | Warm and sunny |
| Sunlight | Minimum 6 hours per day |
| Soil | Well-drained, moist but not wet |
| Watering | Regularly, ideally with clean rainwater |
| Fertiliser | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Common pests | Snails, slugs, caterpillars, beetles |
| Common diseases | Leaf diseases |
| Pruning | Regularly pinch off leaves and flower heads |
| Harvesting | Pick leaves in the morning |
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What You'll Learn
Soil preparation and position
Soil preparation is key to growing basil successfully. The herb thrives in well-drained, moist soil that is rich in nutrients. To prepare your soil, start by weeding it thoroughly and digging it over to loosen it. You can then mix in organic matter such as aged animal manure or compost to improve drainage and nutrient content. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and test it by sticking your finger into the soil to check the moisture level. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
When choosing a position for your basil plant, consider that basil needs a lot of sunlight. Aim for at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day, and choose a spot that receives full sun. In hot climates, provide a little afternoon shade. If growing basil indoors, place the pot on a sunny windowsill. Avoid cold drafts and maintain a temperature between 18-24°C (65-75°F).
If growing basil in pots, select a container with drainage holes and a minimum diameter of 6-8 inches to allow for adequate root growth. Use a good-quality potting mix that is well-draining and nutrient-rich. For outdoor basil, you can sow seeds directly into the garden bed or start them in trays and transplant them later. Space seeds about 25-40cm apart and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
To promote healthy growth, fertilise your basil regularly. Liquid seaweed, worm wee, or liquid manure can be applied frequently during the growing season. You can also use a slow-release fertiliser at planting time and supplement it with liquid fertiliser every two weeks. Remember to rotate your plants regularly if you have multiple basil plants to ensure even light distribution and growth.
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When and how to sow
Basil thrives in warm and sunny conditions and is best grown in the warmer months. In Australia, the best time to plant basil is from late spring to early summer. This ensures that the plants will have enough warm weather to grow well. Basil is an annual in most areas, so it will die down in winter and is best replanted in spring.
Basil seeds can be sown directly into the garden, or seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established. Seeds should be sown 3mm deep and 25-40cm apart. Keep the soil moist but never wet or dry. Seeds should germinate in around 5-10 days at a soil temperature of 18-35°C. Young seedlings will need protection from pests, pets and weather until they are established. Basil seeds can also be sown using the scatter seed' method. Roughen the soil, scatter seeds evenly over the surface, then smooth the soil over lightly to cover the seeds.
Basil plants need well-drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Prepare the soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it and adding aged animal manure or compost. Basil plants can be grown in containers. Choose a variety that’s recommended for container growing and use a good-quality potting mix. A minimum of 10 litres is recommended for basil. Basil needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
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How to harvest
Basil is a fragrant and tasty herb that is easy to grow in Australia, even for those with limited space or experience. It is an annual in most areas, so it will die down in winter and is best replanted in spring. To ensure a continuous supply of basil, you can harvest it throughout the year. Here is how to do it:
Firstly, choose the right time to harvest. For maximum flavour, pick basil leaves in the morning after the dew dries but before the day heats up. Avoid picking the leaves if there has been heavy rain or if the plant is sitting in wet soil as this can lead to overwatering and eventually root rot. The best time to plant basil in Australia is from late spring to early summer, so you can plan your harvest accordingly.
Secondly, decide how much to harvest. It is recommended to take care not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. Regularly pinching off the leaves keeps growth more compact and encourages the basil plant to grow more leaves. Pinching off the flower heads also helps extend the leaf harvesting period. However, if you have a purple basil plant as part of your ornamental garden, you may choose to leave the flowers, although this may cause the leaves to lose flavour and taste bitter.
Thirdly, maintain proper care of your basil plant. Basil likes it fairly damp, so water it regularly, ideally with clean rainwater. Avoid watering the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. Fertilise your basil plants once every 4-6 weeks with an organic or balanced liquid fertiliser, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Liquid seaweed, worm wee or liquid manure is also beneficial and should be applied frequently through the growing season. Remember, the more you pick, the more you need to feed your plant.
Finally, store your harvested basil. You can dry or freeze the leaves into butter cubes to make the most of your harvest and always have some basil on hand to add flavour to your dishes.
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Common pests and diseases
Basil is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, especially when overwatered or in cold weather. Here are some of the most common issues to look out for when growing basil in Australia:
Pests
- Snails and slugs: These pests chew holes in basil leaves and can be controlled by sprinkling snail and slug bait.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars also chew holes in basil leaves and can be controlled by spraying with caterpillar killer.
- Beetles: Beetles are another pest that can damage basil plants by chewing holes in the leaves.
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can be deterred by growing garlic or capsicum as companion plants.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies are attracted to the scent of basil and can be deterred by growing capsicum as a companion plant.
- Spider mites: Spider mites can be deterred by the strong aroma of basil when grown with capsicum.
Diseases
- Leaf diseases: To prevent leaf diseases, water basil at the base of the plant rather than on the leaves.
- Fungal diseases: To avoid fungal diseases, avoid watering the leaves of basil plants and water in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Wilting: Wilting can occur when basil is overwatered, especially if the plant is not getting enough sun.
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Watering techniques
Basil thrives in moist soil, but it is crucial to avoid overwatering to prevent the risk of root rot. To ensure that your basil plants are getting enough moisture, water them regularly, and only when the potting mix starts to dry out. Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon, and the water used should ideally be clean rainwater as basil does not do well with hard or chlorinated water.
When growing basil in pots, it is important to use quality potting soil that is well-draining and nutrient-rich. The soil should be amended with compost or other organic matter if necessary. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and compost is ideal for providing the necessary nutrients and drainage. The pot should have a minimum capacity of 6-8 inches in diameter and must have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
To check if your basil plant needs watering, scratch away a little soil with your finger to a depth of about 5 cm below the surface. If the soil is dry, it's time to water your plant. Water the base of the plant rather than the leaves to prevent leaf diseases and fungal diseases.
Basil plants grown in containers may need additional fertiliser to encourage healthy growth. A slow-release fertiliser can be added at planting time, and liquid fertiliser can be applied every two weeks during the growing season.
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Frequently asked questions
Basil thrives in warm, sunny, and moist conditions. It needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day and temperatures between 18-24°C. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and moisture but not waterlogged.
The best time to plant basil in Australia is from late spring to early summer. This ensures the plants have enough warm weather to grow well.
Basil needs regular watering to maintain moist soil, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and water at the base of the plant rather than the leaves to prevent leaf diseases.
There are over 100 different species of basil to choose from, but the most common type grown at home in Australia is sweet basil. Other varieties suitable for indoor growth include Genovese and Lemon Basil.
Basil seeds can be sown directly into the garden or into seed trays and transplanted once established. Sow seeds 3mm deep and 25-40cm apart. Keep the soil moist and ensure young seedlings are protected from pests and weather until they are established.
