Sweet Basil
The classic variety with large, aromatic green leaves, ideal for pesto and Italian dishes.
When to plant Basil in York
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 York · average last frost around 26 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 | No | 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
10 May to 24 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 10th May - 24th May.
02
Thin Seedlings
31 May to 21 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 31st May - 21st June.
03
Water and Feed Plants
14 Jun to 29 Oct 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 14th June and continue until 29th October.
04
Pinch Out and Prune
21 Jun to 29 Oct 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 21st June onwards to maintain plant shape.
05
Harvest Leaves
9 Jul to 29 Oct 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 9th July until 29th October 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 October. Typical frost risk October to April.
Basil guides by town
See how Basil timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.