How to Grow Basil
How to Grow Basil in Australia: A Fresh Guide for Home Gardeners
Few herbs are as versatile, fragrant, and rewarding as basil. Whether you're adding it to pasta, making fresh pesto, or mixing it into salads, basil is a must-have in any kitchen garden. And the best part? It's easy to grow in most parts of Australia — including right here in Perth.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to grow lush, vibrant basil from seed to harvest, no matter your space or experience level.
Why Grow Basil at Home?
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Flavour: Nothing compares to the aroma and taste of fresh-picked basil.
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Health: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K.
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Convenience: Grows well in pots, beds, or even kitchen windows.
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Productivity: One plant can keep producing for months with proper care.
Plus, basil makes a perfect companion plant, helping to deter pests and improve the flavour of nearby vegetables like tomatoes.
Best Time to Grow Basil in Australia (with a Focus on Perth)
Basil loves warm weather, so timing is everything. It thrives in temperatures between 20–30°C and doesn’t tolerate frost.
Here’s the best time to plant basil across Australia:
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Perth (WA): Ideal planting is from September through March. You can also start seeds indoors in late winter to get a head start.
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Sydney (NSW): Plant from September to February. Basil grows well during the warmer months and benefits from afternoon shade.
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Melbourne (VIC): Best planted in spring through early summer (October to January). Wait until all risk of frost has passed.
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Brisbane (QLD): Can be grown almost year-round, but avoid planting during the peak wet season. Best months: August to April.
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Adelaide (SA): Plant between September and January in full sun. Protect young plants from late frosts.
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Hobart (TAS): Shorter season. Start indoors in September, transplant in late October or November.
Choosing the Right Basil Variety
There are several delicious types of basil to try:
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Sweet Basil: The classic variety used in Italian cooking. Great all-rounder.
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Thai Basil: Stronger, spicier flavour with hints of anise. Ideal for Asian dishes.
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Lemon Basil: Citrus-scented and refreshing. Great in teas and salads.
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Purple Basil: Beautiful colour, slightly spicier taste. Great for garnishes.
For beginners or small-space gardeners, Sweet Basil or Genovese Basil is a great starting point.
Growing Basil From Seed
Basil is easy to grow from seed with a little patience.
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Sow seeds about 5 mm deep in seed trays or directly into pots.
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Keep the soil consistently moist until germination (7–14 days).
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Once seedlings are 5–7 cm tall, thin them out or transplant to give each plant about 20–30 cm of space.
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Place in a sunny, sheltered spot — basil loves 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
If you’re in a cooler area like Hobart or the Perth Hills, consider starting seeds indoors and transplanting once it warms up.
Basil in Pots or Garden Beds
Basil thrives in containers, raised beds, or directly in the ground — just make sure it gets:
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Full sun (but some afternoon shade in hotter climates like Perth or Brisbane)
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Well-drained, fertile soil
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A consistent watering routine
Choose a pot at least 20 cm deep with good drainage holes. Use a premium potting mix with added compost for best results.
Watering and Feeding Basil
Basil is sensitive to both overwatering and drought. Here's how to keep it happy:
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Water early in the day at the base of the plant to avoid fungal issues.
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Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy.
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Feed every 2–3 weeks with a liquid organic fertiliser (like seaweed or worm tea).
Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and keep weeds down.
Pruning and Harvesting Basil
Basil is a "cut-and-come-again" herb — the more you prune, the bushier it gets.
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Start harvesting once the plant has at least 6–8 leaves.
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Always cut or pinch just above a pair of leaves to encourage branching.
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Remove flower heads as they appear to keep the plant focused on leafy growth.
For Perth and other warm regions, you can harvest basil well into late autumn if cared for properly.
Common Basil Problems and How to Solve Them
Basil is fairly trouble-free, but here’s how to handle common issues:
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Leaf yellowing: Often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Improve soil and water only when needed.
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White powder on leaves: Powdery mildew. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting the leaves.
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Pests: Watch for aphids, snails, and whiteflies. Neem oil or garlic spray works well for mild infestations.
In hot cities like Perth and Brisbane, afternoon shade or regular mulching can help prevent sun stress.
Companion Plants for Basil
Basil makes an excellent companion for:
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Tomatoes – Enhances flavour and deters hornworms
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Capsicum (peppers) – Similar growing conditions
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Lettuce – Basil’s scent repels aphids and thrips
Avoid planting basil near sage or rue, as they don’t get along well.
Products to Help You Grow Basil at Home
Get started with the right tools from our gardening store.
Final Thoughts
Basil is a joy to grow — low-maintenance, high-yield, and packed with culinary value. Whether you're growing in Perth's long sunny season or Melbourne's cooler spring, you can enjoy a steady supply of this fragrant herb with just a little attention and care.
Looking for more herb-growing guides? Check out our other posts on parsley, coriander, and microgreens for even more growing inspiration.