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(Best months for planting Basil (herb) in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

• Harvest in 60-70 days
• Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed.
• Best planted at soil temperatures between 18°C and 35°C.
• Space plants: 20-25cm

A frost tender low-growing herb. Basil is a culinary herb prominently featured in Italian cuisine, and also plays a major role in the Southeast Asian cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. The plant tastes somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent sweet smell. There are many varieties including, thai, purple ruffles and lemon.

Can be grown inside in pots in winter. As the plant develops, pinch out the top to encourage bushy growth. Keep well picked to prevent flowering.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Basil (herb)

Basil is commonly used fresh in cooked recipes. It is generally added at the last moment, as cooking quickly destroys the flavour. Tear rather than chop.
The fresh herb can be kept for a short time in plastic bags in the refrigerator, or for a longer period in the freezer, after being blanched quickly in boiling water.

Your comments and tips

10 Dec 09 Lara (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

My basil has gone bitter virtually overnight - I guess from the hot weather! Anything I can do to bring it back?

17 Oct 10 fiona (New Zealand - temperate climate)

if i plant basil from a pot to a herb garden is there anything i should do over winter for it -- we're in the hutt valley of wellington. very gusty area. Parsley; rosemary; thyme; strawberries, mint and rhubarb all flourishing :) thanks so much for your advice Fiona

18 Oct 10 Emma (New Zealand - temperate climate)

I planted a basil plant in a pot 4 weeks ago, It has not changed at all, no more leaves. Is it the windy weather here in Blenheim?

21 Jan 11 (New Zealand - temperate climate)

I planted basil seedlings inside, outside sheltered and outside exposed. The inside one are great but need daily water. The outside sheltered one is half size. The outside exposed one died.

19 Feb 11 (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)

We manage to grow it pretty well in Taranaki. Planted seed in trays and transplanted in November and harvested today late Feb!

09 Oct 11 Gareth (New Zealand - temperate climate)

I had a real bad problem with something eating my basil after it was really growing great and it was completely eaten i don't use chemicals and tried evrything then the stems died any tips ?

03 Jan 12 Amber (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)

Hi there, has any one had success with simply transplanting a supermarket bought basil plant into the garden or do they need to be grown from seed?

13 Jan 12 Bronwyn (New Zealand - temperate climate)

You can put cuttings in a glass of water on a sunny window sill and they will grow roots, then plant out.

19 Jan 12 Courtney (New Zealand - temperate climate)

My basil is gettting yellow patches on the leaves, what could this be?

19 Jan 12 Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Courtney, the yellow patches can be caused by some sort of soil deficiency . Are your basil plants still growing in seed raising mix? they need to be transferred to soil or a general potting mix soon after three or four leaves appear. Another cause of yellowing can be cold.