Sweet Basil
The classic variety with large, aromatic green leaves, ideal for pesto and Italian dishes.
When to plant Basil in Sheffield
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
Calibrated to Sheffield · average last frost around 23 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow outdoors | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
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.
01
Sow Seeds Outdoors
7 May to 21 May Optional · repeat every 3 weeksSow 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 7th May - 21st May.
02
Thin Seedlings
28 May to 18 Jun Dates as each sowing reaches this stageOnce 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 28th May - 18th June.
03
Water and Feed Plants
11 Jun to 8 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 3 weeksKeep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 3 weeks to promote healthy leaf production. Start feeding from 11th June and continue until 8th November.
04
Pinch Out and Prune
18 Jun to 8 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stagePinch out the growing tips regularly to encourage bushy growth and delay flowering. Remove any flower buds as they appear. Start pinching from 18th June onwards to maintain plant shape.
05
Harvest Leaves
6 Jul to 8 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stageBegin harvesting leaves once plants are about tall. Pick leaves from the top down, avoiding over-harvesting. Harvest from 6th July until 8th November for a steady supply.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Basil to consider
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.
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Chilli Pepper
Sow indoors February, plant out May, harvest July to November. Typical frost risk November to April.
Basil guides by town
See how Basil timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.