When to plant Basil in Cambridge

Ocimum basilicum

Basil
Basil · Ocimum basilicum

Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.

60 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Cambridge · average last frost around 7 May

Sow outdoors May to June, harvest July to October. Typical frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Growing guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Guide to growing basil by sowing seeds directly outside in the garden after frost.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds Outdoors

    21 May to 4 Jun Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    Sow basil seeds directly into well-prepared, warm soil in a sunny spot after the last frost. Sow thinly at a depth of and space rows apart. Cover lightly with soil and water gently. Sow 21st May - 4th June.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    11 Jun to 2 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to apart to allow proper growth. Remove weaker seedlings, leaving the strongest ones. Water after thinning. This should be done 11th June - 2nd July.

  3. 03

    Water and Feed Plants

    25 Jun to 19 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 3 weeks to promote healthy leaf production. Start feeding from 25th June and continue until 19th October.

  4. 04

    Pinch Out and Prune

    2 Jul to 19 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Pinch out the growing tips regularly to encourage bushy growth and delay flowering. Remove any flower buds as they appear. Start pinching from 2nd July onwards to maintain plant shape.

  5. 05

    Harvest Leaves

    20 Jul to 19 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Begin harvesting leaves once plants are about tall. Pick leaves from the top down, avoiding over-harvesting. Harvest from 20th July until 19th October for a steady supply.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Basil to consider

Sweet Basil

The classic variety with large, aromatic green leaves, ideal for pesto and Italian dishes.

Greek Basil

A compact, bushy variety with small leaves, perfect for container growing and slower to bolt.

Purple Basil

Adds colour to the garden with deep purple leaves and a slightly stronger flavour, great for garnishes.

Basil guides by town

See how Basil timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.