Lyla Lindsey
Basil is a fragrant herb with a range of culinary uses. It is relatively easy to grow, even for those with limited space or experience. In Australia, basil is best grown in the warmer months, from late spring to early summer, to ensure the plants have enough warm weather to grow. It is sensitive to frost and cold weather, so it is recommended to grow basil in a pot that can be moved indoors during winter. Basil enjoys heat and sun, but be mindful of excessive heat as the plants can wilt if not given enough water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to plant | Late spring to early summer |
| Best growing conditions | Warm climates |
| Frost tolerance | Sensitive to frost |
| Sunlight requirements | Full sun or partial sun |
| Soil requirements | Well-drained, rich, neutral to slightly acidic |
| Watering requirements | Regular watering |
| Pests | Snails, slugs, caterpillars, beetles, possums |
| Harvesting | Every week or so once the plant reaches 10 cm |
| Storage | Not suitable for drying; store in freezer or as pesto |
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What You'll Learn
Basil in Australia is best grown in the warmer months
Basil grows best in full sun, although it will also do well in partly shaded positions. It requires a lot of sunlight and regular watering. It is sensitive to cold and frost, so if you're in a colder climate, it may only grow for six to nine months of the year. It is best to sow basil seeds indoors in late winter or early spring and then transplant them outdoors when the weather warms up. The ideal soil temperature for sowing seeds is between 18°C and 35°C.
When growing basil, choose a spot in your garden that is sunny, and be sure to give the plant plenty of room to spread out so that it can develop into a healthy, bushy plant. Basil prefers well-drained soil, so amend your soil with compost or other organic matter if necessary. Keep the soil moist and mulch with an organic mulch, such as sugarcane or lucerne. Feed weekly with a herb liquid plant food to promote lots of healthy green leaves. Water the base of the plant rather than the leaves to help prevent leaf diseases.
Basil is commonly used fresh in cooked recipes, and it is typically added at the last moment as cooking quickly destroys the flavour. It can be kept for a short time in the refrigerator or for a longer period in the freezer. It is best to pick basil leaves in the morning after the dew dries but before the day heats up for maximum flavour.
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It's sensitive to frost and cold weather
Basil is a herb that is highly sensitive to frost and cold weather. It is native to the warm, sunny regions of Asia and Africa, and it is not cold-hardy. Frost disrupts the plant's cellular structure and moisture balance, causing irreversible damage in most cases. Temperatures below 40°F (4°C) cause cold stress, and exposure to frost typically kills the plant. Younger basil plants and tender leaf varieties like sweet basil are especially vulnerable to frost.
In Australia, basil is best grown in the warmer months. It will die off in winter and is best replanted in spring. If you want to grow basil in Australia, it is important to be mindful of the temperature and the possibility of frost. Basil grows well in temperatures between 18°C and 35°C. If the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C), the plant may start to suffer.
To protect your basil plants from frost and cold weather, you can move them indoors or to a warmer, protected position. Basil grows well in a sunny spot indoors, such as on a windowsill, and can be grown in pots or containers. If you plan to move your basil plants indoors, ensure that they have good drainage and air circulation. You can also cover your basil plants if frost is imminent, but remember to uncover them during the day as temperatures rise above 4°C.
In frost-free regions of Australia, perennial basil varieties will survive for years and continue to grow bigger. However, in regions with frost, basil plants will need to be covered or moved indoors to protect them from the cold. It is important to note that even with protection, basil has a finite life cycle and will eventually die back.
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Grow from seed or seedling in spring
Basil is a fragrant and fast-growing herb that is relatively easy to grow in Australia, even for beginner gardeners with limited space or experience. The best time to grow basil is from late spring to early summer, ensuring that the plants have enough warm weather to grow well.
Grow from seed
To grow basil from seed, start by filling a planting tray with a seed-starting mix and moistening the mix with water. Sow the seeds at a depth of approximately three times the diameter of the seed. The best soil temperature for germination is between 18°C and 35°C. After 4-6 weeks, transplant the seedlings into individual pots or directly into your garden. Choose a spot that receives full sun and a little afternoon shade in hot climates, and ensure the soil is well-drained and rich with organic matter. Keep the soil moist and mulch with sugarcane or lucerne. Feed weekly with liquid plant food to promote healthy leaf growth.
Grow from seedling
If you're short on time or want to skip the seed-raising step, you can purchase basil seedlings from a nursery and repot them into individual pots or your garden. Follow the same care instructions as above, ensuring you provide plenty of sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Troubleshooting
Basil is sensitive to frost and cold temperatures, so if you're in a colder climate, you may only be able to grow basil for six to nine months of the year. Keep your basil indoors on a sunny windowsill during the colder months to protect it from frost and extend its growing season. Regularly pinching off the leaves will keep growth compact and encourage the plant to produce more leaves. Be mindful of pests such as snails, slugs, caterpillars, and possums, which are all attracted to basil.
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Basil needs lots of sunlight and water
Basil is a fragrant and tasty herb that is relatively easy to grow in Australia, even for gardeners 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.
When growing basil, it is important to regularly water the plant. However, it is crucial not to overwater it. If basil is overwatered, or if it is sitting in water for too long, the leaves may develop brown spots, the plant may start wilting, and it may eventually rot. Therefore, it is important to only water basil when the potting mix starts to dry out.
To grow basil, it is recommended to sow seeds into well-drained soil, enriched with soil improver and plant fertiliser. Keep the soil moist and mulch with an organic mulch, such as sugarcane or lucerne. Feed weekly with liquid plant food to promote lots of healthy green leaves. Water the base of the plant rather than the leaves to help prevent leaf diseases.
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It's easy to grow, even for beginners
Basil is a fragrant, quick-growing herb that is relatively easy to grow, even for beginners. It is best grown in the warmer months, from late spring to early summer, and will die off in winter. In frost-free regions, perennial basil varieties will survive for years.
Basil enjoys heat and sun, but it can also be grown in partial shade. It needs well-drained soil, so amend your soil with compost or other organic matter if necessary. It is best to sow basil seeds indoors in late winter or early spring, and then transplant them outdoors when the weather warms up. Growing basil from seed is relatively easy and just takes some patience. Fill a planting tray with seed-starting mix, and moisten the mix with water. Sow seeds at a depth of approximately three times the diameter of the seed.
Basil also grows well in pots, which can be moved to a warm, sunny, and protected position in winter. It can be grown indoors on a sunny window sill. If growing in a pot, use a pot that is at least 30cm wide with drainage holes. Keep the soil moist and mulch with an organic mulch, such as sugarcane or lucerne. Water the base of the plant rather than the leaves to help prevent leaf diseases.
Basil is commonly used fresh in cooked recipes, adding a touch of refinement to any dish. It is best to harvest basil leaves in the morning after the dew dries, but before the day heats up. Harvest every week or so once the plant reaches 10cm, always leaving some stems and leaves so that the plant continues to regrow. Basil is not a good herb for drying; instead, freeze or store made-up as pesto.
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Frequently asked questions
In Australia, the best time to plant basil is from late spring to early summer. This gives the plants enough warm weather to grow well.
Basil can be grown in a pot by the window or outdoors. It is recommended to give the plants plenty of room to spread out so they can become healthy, bushy plants.
Basil needs a lot of sunlight and well-drained soil. The soil should be rich and slightly acidic, with a composted base. Basil is sensitive to cold and frost, so it is important to protect it from frost.
Yes, there are many different types of basil that can be grown in Australia, including Thai basil, Greek basil, and African Blue Basil. Each type has a unique flavour and fragrance, so it is worth experimenting with different varieties to find your favourite.
