How to grow Basil in the UK
Loves sun and warmth - happiest on a sunny windowsill or patio.
- DifficultyA bit more care
- WhereBeds or Pots
- Grows to30cm
- Spacing20cm
- Time to first pickabout 8 weeks
When to sow, plant and harvest basil
| Sow indoors | early April to mid June |
|---|---|
| Plant out | early June to mid July |
| Pick | early July to late September |
Dates are for central England. Sow about two weeks later in the north and Scotland, and up to two weeks earlier in the south and south west. Get the dates for your postcode.
Starting it indoors
- Fill a small pot or tray with seed compost
- Push the seeds in (just covered) - a couple per pot
- Water gently, then put them on a bright windowsill
- Keep the compost damp but not soggy - check it every day
- When they have 2 proper leaves, give each seedling its own pot
Planting it out
- Toughen them up ('hardening off'): put them outside in the day for a week, bring them in at night
- Dig a hole a bit bigger than the pot
- Tip the plant out gently, holding the leaves, not the stem
- Pop it in the hole, firm the soil around it, and water well
- Space the plants about 20cm apart each way
Top tips for growing basil
- Water in the morning, not at night. It hates cold wet roots.
Soil and feeding
Poor, free-draining soil - they don't like it too rich. Most herbs like it quite poor and sunny. Too much food makes them floppy and less tasty.
Pests and problems
- Slugs & snails: munch seedlings overnight, worst in wet weather
- Grow it in a pot, off the ground - slugs love basil
Harvesting and eating basil
Pinch off the top leaves - this makes the plant bushier.
How to eat them: Tear onto pizza or pasta with tomatoes.
Storing basil
Keeps about 1 week.
- Stand in a glass of water on the kitchen side - NOT the fridge, it turns black
Blend with olive oil and freeze in an ice-cube tray. Or make pesto!
Good varieties of basil
- Sweet Genovese: The classic basil for pesto and pizza.
- Greek basil: A little round bush with tiny leaves.
- Dark Opal: Deep purple leaves.
Companion planting
Grows well with
- Cherry tomatoes: classic partners - basil likes the same warm spot
- Big tomatoes: classic partners - basil likes the same warm spot
- Sweet peppers: basil likes the same warm, sunny spot
- Chillies: basil likes the same warm, sunny spot
Saving your own basil seed
Summer, once a plant has flowered and the seed heads have dried.
- Leave one or two of the best plants to flower (this is called 'bolting') - don't pick them
- When the flower heads turn brown and dry, cut them on a dry day
- Hold them upside down in a paper bag and shake - the seeds fall out
- Pick out the bits of stalk and leave the seeds to dry for a week
Where to buy basil seeds
Thompson & Morgan · Suttons · Amazon
These are affiliate links: we may earn a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Read more.
Basil questions
When should I sow basil in the UK?
In the UK, sow basil indoors from early April to mid June. These dates suit central England; sow about two weeks later in the north and Scotland and up to two weeks earlier in the mild south and south west.
When do I plant out basil?
Plant basil out from early June to mid July, once the last frost has passed.
When can I pick basil?
Basil is ready from early July to late September. Pinch off the top leaves - this makes the plant bushier.
How long do basil take to grow?
Roughly 8 weeks from sowing or planting until the first harvest.
Are basil easy to grow?
Basil are rated 'a bit more care' for beginners, and can be grown in the ground or a raised bed or in pots and containers.
Plan your own garden: it tells you what to do and when, for your postcode.
Start growing - it's free