Basil Seeds

Why Grow Basil from Seed?

Basil is one of the most rewarding culinary herbs to grow from seed. The plants establish quickly in warm conditions and produce generous harvests of fragrant leaves for pesto, salads, pasta, curries, stir-fries, herbal infusions and fresh garnishes.

Growing basil from seed also gives gardeners access to a much wider selection of flavours, colours and plant habits than commonly available as seedlings. Depending on the variety, basil may produce broad green leaves, compact rounded foliage, purple leaves, citrus aromas, anise-like flavours or strongly aromatic clove-like foliage.

• Easy to grow: suitable for beginners, home gardeners and commercial herb growers.
• Highly productive: regular harvesting encourages bushier plants and continued leaf production.
• Suitable for containers: grows well in pots, raised beds, balconies and kitchen gardens.
• Wide culinary range: choose varieties for Italian, Thai, Mediterranean and other cuisines.
• Pollinator friendly: basil flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects.

Which Basil Variety Should I Choose?

Basil varieties differ considerably in flavour, aroma, colour and growth habit. Sweet Genovese is the traditional choice for pesto, while Thai Basil is valued for its anise-like flavour and suitability for Asian cuisine. Lemon Basil, Dark Opal, Greek Basil and Holy Basil each offer their own distinctive characteristics.

Growing Basil from Seed in Australia

Basil is a frost-sensitive, warm-season herb that performs best in warm soil, bright sunlight and fertile, well-drained growing media. Seeds may be sown directly where the plants are to grow or started in trays and transplanted once conditions are consistently warm.

Keep the soil evenly moist during germination, but avoid saturated conditions. Once plants are established, harvest the growing tips regularly to encourage branching and produce a compact, productive plant.

When to Sow Basil Seeds in Australia

• Cool climates: sow from October to January after the danger of frost has passed, or start seeds indoors with warmth.
• Temperate climates: sow from September to February once the soil and weather have warmed.
• Subtropical climates: sow from August to March, avoiding unusually cold periods.
• Tropical climates: sow throughout much of the year where drainage, humidity and rainfall are suitable.
• Arid climates: sow from September to March and provide protection from extreme afternoon heat.

These sowing periods are general guides. Local frost dates, elevation, rainfall and seasonal temperatures should also be considered.

Can Basil Be Grown in Pots?

Yes. Basil grows exceptionally well in containers and is suitable for patios, balconies, courtyards, windowsills and small kitchen gardens.

Choose a container with unrestricted drainage and use a quality potting mix. One full-sized basil plant generally requires a pot at least 20–30 cm wide, while compact varieties may be planted in smaller containers or grouped in larger planters.

Position the pot in a warm location that receives several hours of direct sunlight each day. Container-grown basil may require more frequent watering than plants grown in garden beds, particularly during hot or windy weather.

Harvesting Fresh Basil

Begin harvesting basil once the plants are established and producing several sets of healthy leaves. Pinch or cut stems just above a pair of leaves rather than removing individual leaves from random parts of the plant.

This encourages new branches to develop below the cut and creates a bushier, more productive plant. Harvest small amounts regularly and avoid removing more than approximately one-third of the plant at one time.

Flower buds may be removed to extend leaf production. Alternatively, selected stems can be allowed to flower for bees, beneficial insects and seed saving.

Does Basil Attract Bees?

Basil produces small flowers that are highly attractive to bees and other beneficial insects. Gardeners can harvest most plants regularly for foliage while allowing selected stems or plants to flower.

Flowering basil is useful in vegetable gardens, culinary herb beds and pollinator-friendly plantings. It can be grown alongside tomatoes, chillies, capsicums, eggplants and other warm-season crops with similar growing requirements.

Can You Save Basil Seeds?

Seed can be collected from open-pollinated basil varieties. Allow healthy plants to flower and leave the seed heads in place until they become dry and brown.

Cut the mature flower stems over a clean container or tray, then rub or shake the seed heads to release the small dark seeds. Ensure the seeds are completely dry before storing them in a labelled, airtight container in a cool, dry and dark location.

Different basil varieties can cross-pollinate when flowering together. Growers wishing to maintain a particular variety should separate flowering plants or use appropriate isolation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which basil is best for pesto?

Sweet Genovese Basil is the traditional choice for pesto. It produces large, tender green leaves with the classic sweet and aromatic flavour associated with Italian cooking.

What is the difference between Thai Basil and Holy Basil?

Thai Basil and Holy Basil are related but distinct basil types.

• Thai Basil: generally has a sweeter anise or liquorice-like flavour and is commonly used in curries, soups and fresh garnishes.
• Holy Basil: generally has a stronger peppery and clove-like flavour and is commonly used in Thai stir-fries and herbal infusions.

How long do basil seeds take to germinate?

Basil seeds usually germinate in approximately 5–14 days when sown shallowly and maintained at a warm temperature. Germination may take longer in cool soil.

Is basil annual or perennial?

Most culinary basil varieties are grown as warm-season annuals in Australia. Some basil plants may survive for longer in tropical or frost-free subtropical conditions, but cold temperatures and frost can damage or kill the plants.

Can basil be grown indoors?

Yes, provided the plants receive strong direct sunlight or suitable supplemental lighting. Basil grown in low-light indoor conditions may become weak, pale or stretched.

Should basil flowers be removed?

Removing flower buds generally encourages plants to continue producing tender leaves. However, some flowers may be retained to attract pollinators or produce seed for future planting.

How often should basil be harvested?

Basil can be harvested regularly once plants are established. Frequent light harvesting encourages branching and usually produces a bushier plant than allowing stems to grow tall without pruning.

Buy Basil Seeds in Australia

Seedmart Australia supplies a broad range of basil seeds for home gardeners, chefs, schools, market gardens and commercial growers. Choose from traditional culinary varieties, compact container basils, colourful purple basil, citrus-scented types, Thai Basil and Holy Basil.

Our basil seeds are selected for reliable germination, vigorous growth and suitability for Australian conditions, with packet and bulk quantities available across selected varieties.