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Herb

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

A fragrant summer herb that loves Adelaide's heat and pairs with tomatoes in the garden and the kitchen. Sow or plant once nights stay warm, as cold snaps blacken it. Pinch out the flower spikes and tips often to keep plants bushy and leafy.

When to plant where you live

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Planting times for other areas

Varieties (4)

  • Greek (bush) basilCompact small-leaf type that suits pots and edging
  • Purple basil (e.g. Dark Opal)Ornamental colour for salads and garnishing; a little less vigorous
  • Sweet GenoveseClassic large-leaf basil for pesto and cooking; the best all-rounder
  • Thai basilAniseed flavour, purple stems; more heat tolerant and slower to bolt

Neighbours

Grows well with

From seed to plate

  1. Plant

    25 cm apart, seed 5 mm deep. Full sun.

  2. Water

    Regular; pots dry fast.

  3. Feed

    Liquid feed fortnightly.

  4. Pick, from about 9 weeks

    Pinch tips often.

Good to know

  • Sow small batches every few weeks through summer for a steady supply
  • Water in the morning and mulch; basil wilts fast in hot wind but recovers with a drink
  • Grow beside tomatoes; you'll use them together and both like the same conditions

Common problems

  • Flowering and going woodypinch out flower spikes as they form and harvest tips weekly
  • Leaves blacken or plants collapse in coldwait until nights are above about 12 °C before planting out; cover on cool nights
  • Downy mildew (grey fuzz under yellowing leaves)water the soil not the leaves, space for airflow, remove affected plants
  • Snails and slugs on seedlingshand pick at night, use iron-based baits or traps

If you use a garden chemical, follow the label exactly. Try organic options first, and ask the community or Plant Doctor if you're unsure.

Ask the garden helper about basilAny question, answered from the plant libraryHow others are growing basilQuestions, tips and harvests from the community

Guides

Wildlife

Good for: bees.

Where this information comes from

Reviewed by AI cross-check (Claude), not a horticulturist on 27 Oct 2026. Version 2.