When to plant Basil in the UK

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
Sow outdoors May, harvest July to October.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

Growing guide for the UK

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

    mid-May to late May UK average · set your town for your exact dates 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 mid-May to late May.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    early June to late June UK average · set your town for your exact dates 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 early June to late June.

  3. 03

    Water and Feed Plants

    late June to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates 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 late June and continue until late October.

  4. 04

    Pinch Out and Prune

    late June to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates 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 late June onwards to maintain plant shape.

  5. 05

    Harvest Leaves

    mid-July to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates 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 mid-July until late 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.