Quick profile
Key data
Planting
May, Jun
Harvest
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Light
warm, sunny, sheltered
Water
medium
Growing data
basil Growing data
Seed depth
0 cm
Plant spacing
30 cm
Row spacing
30 cm
Sowing and germination
Planting and spacing
Temperature and site
Water, nutrients and care
Container, support and growth
Year plan
basil Calendar
Indoor sowing
Start warm and bright under cover.
Direct sowing
Sow only after frost risk into warm soil.
Planting
Plant out after frost into warm sheltered sites.
Harvest
Cut shoot tips regularly.
Growing
basil Site, soil and care
Light
warm, sunny, sheltered
Spacing
30 cm
Storage
Storage life: short fresh shelf life, Conditions: cool, clean, and dry or slightly humid depending on crop, Processing options: pesto, freezing, infused oil
- Basil is frost-sensitive and should only be planted outdoors after the Ice Saints (mid-May).
- Use nutrient-rich, well-draining soil and keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Regular harvesting promotes bushy growth and prevents flowering.
- Basil does not tolerate drafts and should be placed in a sheltered spot.
- Fertilize every 2–3 weeks with a mild herb fertilizer or diluted stinging nettle liquid manure.
- Basil stops growing below 10°C. Move potted plants indoors at this point.
- Basil can be propagated from cuttings. Cut 10–15 cm long shoot tips and place them in water.
- Avoid waterlogging as basil is very sensitive to root rot.
- Basil should not be planted next to mint or other strongly spreading herbs.
- Harvest basil preferably in the morning when the leaves are most aromatic.
Pruning
basil Pruning
Pruning timing
spring
Sowing and planting Plant out after the Ice Saints when no late frosts are expected.
summer
Harvesting and succession sowing Harvest regularly to delay flowering and promote leaf growth.
autumn
Final harvest and sowing for winter cultivation Growth stops below 10°C. Move pots indoors.
Avoid
- Remove woody stems
- Leave flower buds
Tools and hygiene
Disinfect scissors and knives with alcohol before and after pruning to prevent fungal infections.
Companion guide
basil Companion guide
Health
Pests, Diseases
Plant health
FAQ
Can you overwinter basil?
Basil is frost-sensitive and cannot overwinter outdoors in Central Europe. Potted plants should be moved indoors before the first frost. Bright, cool rooms at 10–15°C are ideal. Alternatively, propagate basil from cuttings in autumn and overwinter these.
Why is my basil turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can have various causes: too much water (root rot), too little water (drying out), nutrient deficiency (especially nitrogen), or a fungal infection (e.g., downy mildew). Check watering, drainage, and location. If fungal infection occurs, remove affected leaves and treat with a suitable fungicide.
How often should I water basil?
Basil requires evenly moist soil but no waterlogging. Water when the top layer of soil (about 2 cm) is dry. In summer, this may be necessary daily, in pots more frequently than outdoors. Waterlogging leads to root rot and must be avoided.
Can you grow basil from cuttings?
Yes, basil can be easily propagated from cuttings. Cut 10–15 cm long shoot tips, remove the lower leaves, and place the cuttings in a glass of water. Roots form after about 1–2 weeks. Alternatively, cuttings can be planted directly in soil.
What soil does basil need?
Basil prefers nutrient-rich, loose, and well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of herb soil and some sand or perlite works well. Avoid heavy, clayey soils that can lead to waterlogging.
Why is my basil flowering?
Basil flowers when it becomes too old or is under stress (e.g., due to insufficient water, nutrient deficiency, or high temperatures). Flowering leads to bitter leaves and reduces flavor. Regular harvesting and pinching off flower buds can prevent this.
Can you grow basil outdoors?
Yes, basil can be grown outdoors once no late frosts are expected (after the Ice Saints, mid-May). Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Outdoors, the harvest is often more abundant than in pots.
How do you store fresh basil?
Fresh basil lasts about 3–5 days in the refrigerator if the stems are placed in a glass of water and the glass is covered with a plastic bag. Alternatively, wash, dry, and store the leaves in an airtight container in the freezer. Another method is freezing in ice cubes with olive oil.
Can you freeze basil?
Yes, basil freezes well. Wash the leaves, dry them thoroughly, and freeze either in ice cubes with olive oil or in portions in freezer bags. Frozen basil is suitable for cooked dishes but loses some freshness for raw use.
Why is basil turning brown?
Brown leaves or stems can be caused by sunburn (from too intense sun), fungal infections (e.g., botrytis), or very dry air (especially from heating). Check the location and humidity. Remove affected plant parts and treat for fungal infections.
Related plants
Rosmarinus tomentosus
Both belong to the mint family and have similar site requirements.
common sage
Sage is another mint-family herb with Mediterranean origins.
Thymus
Thyme and basil thrive under similar conditions and are often grown together.
Thyme and basil thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
peppermint
Peppermint belongs to the mint family like basil.
parsley
Both are popular culinary herbs often grown together.
Both require nutrient-rich soil and regular fertilization for optimal growth.
Coriander
Coriander and basil are often combined in Asian and Mediterranean dishes.
Coriander and basil have similar water requirements.
Dill
Dill and basil have similar site requirements and are often combined in herb gardens.
downy mildew
Downy mildew can also affect basil, especially in humid weather and poor ventilation.
root rot
Basil is particularly susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions.
Guides
Related guides
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Guide
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Internal links
Related plants
Sources
Public sources
- Wikidata entity
Wikidata · 2026-05-12
- GBIF species match
GBIF · 2026-05-12
- Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Basilikum
Wikipedia · 2026-05-12
- English Wikipedia: Basil
Wikipedia · 2026-05-12
Details
More public plant data
Names
Common
basil
Plural
basil
Synonyms
- Ocimum basilicum
Common synonyms
- Ocimum basilicum
Regional names
Historical names
Market names
Misspellings
Search terms
- basil
Taxonomy
Clades
- Lamiaceae
Family
Lamiaceae
Classification
Edible parts
- leaves
Calendar
Sowing indoor
Months
- 3
- 4
Notes
Start warm and bright under cover.
Sowing outdoor
Months
- 5
- 6
Notes
Sow only after frost risk into warm soil.
Planting out
Months
- 5
- 6
Notes
Plant out after frost into warm sheltered sites.
Harvest
Months
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
Notes
Cut shoot tips regularly.
Month tasks
Book content
Cosmetic use
Basil is used in the cosmetics industry for soaps, shampoos, and skincare products. Its scent is invigorating and relaxing.
Culinary use
Basil leaves are used fresh or dried in cooking. They are a key ingredient in pesto Genovese and pair excellently with tomatoes, mozzarella, olive oil, and garlic. Basil is also used in salads, soups, and as a garnish for pasta or pizza.
Description
Basil is an herbaceous annual plant with an upright growth habit. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, smooth or slightly wavy, and range in color from bright green to dark purple, depending on the variety. Small white or pink flowers appear in summer, attracting bees and butterflies. Basil reaches a height of 30 to 60 cm and a width of 20 to 30 cm.
History
Basil has been used as a medicinal and culinary herb since ancient Egypt and Greece. It arrived in Europe via monastery gardens during the Middle Ages and became one of the most important culinary herbs in Mediterranean cuisine.
Introduction
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a popular culinary herb from the mint family (Lamiaceae). Native to tropical regions, it is typically grown as an annual in Central Europe. With its intense aroma, basil is an essential ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine and thrives well in pots on balconies and terraces.
Medicinal use
Basil aids digestion, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In folk medicine, it is used for bloating, loss of appetite, and to strengthen the immune system. Essential oils from basil are used in aromatherapy.
Origin
Tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia
Other uses
Basil acts as a natural insect repellent and can deter pests when grown alongside tomatoes. In the perfume industry, it is used for fresh, green fragrance notes.
Cultivation specs
Seed
Spacing
Spacing notes
Ensure adequate spacing for air circulation.
Growth dimensions
Final size notes
Basil can grow up to 60 cm tall and 30 cm wide.
Temperature
Temperature notes
Basil thrives in warm temperatures and is sensitive to frost.
Water
Critical water phases
- sowing
- germination
- flowering
Water notes
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Nutrition
Nutrition notes
Use balanced fertilizer and compost for optimal growth.
Container
Container notes
Use pots with good drainage and repot when roots are crowded.
Support
Support notes
Basil does not require support.
Cultivation modes
Yield density
Yield notes
Harvest regularly for continuous production.
Site
Sun
warm, sunny, sheltered
Shelter
shelter as needed
Notes
Basil needs warmth and is sensitive to cold.
Soil
Texture
loose, humus-rich, well-drained
PH range
Notes
Container plants need even but not wet soil.
Watering
Frequency
regularly, without waterlogging
Method
at the root zone
Notes
Water in the morning and keep foliage as dry as possible.
Nutrition
Fertilizer type
mild organic feeding
Frequency
as needed
Notes
Feed container plants lightly with liquid fertilizer.
Cultivation planning
Succession sowing
Bed planning notes
Plan beds for succession sowing.
Problems
Common
- cold damage
- bolting
- woody shoots
Diagnosis
Check water, site, nutrition, and pest pressure first.
Problem management
Common pest groups
- aphids
- whiteflies
- slugs
Common disease groups
- downy mildew
- Botrytis
- root rot
Prevention principles
- choose a suitable site
- keep growth airy
- use rotation and hygiene
- inspect plants regularly
Diagnosis notes
Assess symptoms together with site, weather, and growth stage.
Disease graph
Profiles
- Slugdowny-mildew
Name
downy mildew
SeveritymediumConditions
- humid canopy
- site or weather stress
Prevention
- space plants for airflow
- remove diseased plant material
- Slugbotrytis
Name
Botrytis
SeveritymediumConditions
- humid canopy
- site or weather stress
Prevention
- space plants for airflow
- remove diseased plant material
- Slugroot-rot
Name
root rot
SeveritymediumConditions
- humid canopy
- site or weather stress
Prevention
- space plants for airflow
- remove diseased plant material
Harvest
Timing
continuously once plants are established
Harvest indicators
- aromatic young shoots
- before full bloom
Method
harvest gently and cleanly
Storage
Storage life
short fresh shelf life
Conditions
cool, clean, and dry or slightly humid depending on crop
Processing options
- pesto
- freezing
- infused oil
Kitchen usage
Primary uses
- pesto
- salads
- tomato dishes
- herb oil
Flavor profile
sweet-aromatic, spicy depending on cultivar
Preparation notes
Wash thoroughly before use and use only sound plant parts.
Safety and edibility
Edible parts
- leaves
- young shoots
- flowers
Inedible or caution parts
- essential oils may affect sensitive people
Toxicity notes
Do not consume if identification is uncertain; do not infer medicinal claims.
Raw consumption
Commonly eaten raw.
Woody crop details
Notes
Basil is an annual herbaceous plant and is not classified as a woody crop.
Ecology
Biodiversity notes
Basil attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects that benefit from its small flowers. However, it does not directly contribute to biodiversity as it is not native and does not occur naturally in Central Europe.
Practical notes
Basil is frost-sensitive and should only be planted outdoors after the Ice Saints (mid-May).
Use nutrient-rich, well-draining soil and keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Regular harvesting promotes bushy growth and prevents flowering.
Basil does not tolerate drafts and should be placed in a sheltered spot.
Fertilize every 2–3 weeks with a mild herb fertilizer or diluted stinging nettle liquid manure.
Basil stops growing below 10°C. Move potted plants indoors at this point.
Basil can be propagated from cuttings. Cut 10–15 cm long shoot tips and place them in water.
Avoid waterlogging as basil is very sensitive to root rot.
Basil should not be planted next to mint or other strongly spreading herbs.
Harvest basil preferably in the morning when the leaves are most aromatic.
Seasonal content
Spring
Tasks
- Sow indoors from March
- Start early for early harvest
Tips
- Plant basil outdoors only after the Ice Saints (mid-May).
- Ventilate regularly to prevent mold.
Summer
Tasks
- Regular harvesting
- Succession sowing for autumn harvest
- Remove flower buds
Tips
- Harvest in the morning for more intense flavor.
- Water evenly, avoid waterlogging.
- Mulch to retain moisture.
Autumn
Tasks
- Final harvest before frost
- Take cuttings for overwintering
- Move potted plants indoors
Tips
- Let growth stop below 10°C.
- Root cuttings in water or soil.
- Prepare harvest for storage (dry, freeze).
Winter
Tasks
- Overwinter cuttings
- Monitor light and temperature
Tips
- Overwinter cuttings in bright, cool conditions (10–15°C).
- Do not fertilize, water moderately.
- Treat for pests if necessary.