How to Grow Basil

Basil: Ocimum basilicum

One of the world's most loved herbs, basil is a famous companion plant to tomatoes, both in the garden and the kitchen. Native to tropical regions from central Africa to Southeast Asia and cultivated for thousands of years, basil is used in cuisines the world over.

Basil tea is a tonic for low spirits and anxiety, and certainly its brilliant green leaves, white flowers and superb fragrance are an antidote in themselves!

Basil is easily grown from seed during spring and summer down south and year round in the tropics.

Tips on growing basil

• Protect from frost and damp to avoid fungal problems
• Pinch out flowers to encourage leaf production
• Start advanced seedlings indoors to maximise length of harvest
• Basil likes a well drained soil in full sun, although purple-leaved varieties can benefit from some afternoon shade
• Plant at 20-30cm spacings
• Water in with a seaweed solution like Diggers Ocean Brew and keep moist

Pests and diseases

Snails and slugs are the main offenders when it comes to basil, so be sure to protect your seedlings. Caterpillars like the taste of basil leaves too, but all pests can be controlled using organic methods.

Harvest 

You can harvest regularly after the plant has reached 10-20cm in height but be sure to leave some foliage to keep your plant cropping. Picking regularly will stop your plant going leggy and from setting seed too early.