Ocimum basilicum
- Common name
- Basil
- Taxonomy
- Family: Lamiaceae · Genus: Ocimum
Still missing: plant type, native distribution, natural habitat, height / growth form, flowering period, growth & dormancy period.
Tips & experience from members
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How members water it
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How it thrives
Watermedium
Lightfull sun
Humiditymediumgeneral genus data
Min. temperature10 °CJanuary
Nothing to do now – plan spring sowing and order seeds.
February
Nothing to do now – plan spring sowing and order seeds.
March
Sow indoors on a bright windowsill; plant out after the last frosts (mid-May).
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
First weak dose at the end of the month if it is actively growing.
The sunniest window (south or west).
April
Sow indoors on a bright windowsill; plant out after the last frosts (mid-May).
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
The sunniest window (south or west).
May
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Best outdoors: sunny balcony, terrace or garden – acclimatise it to full sun gradually.
After mid-May (last frosts) it can go outside – keep it in partial shade for the first 1–2 weeks to avoid sunburn.
June
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Best outdoors: sunny balcony, terrace or garden – acclimatise it to full sun gradually.
It flowers next month – once you see buds, don’t move it any more.
Above 35 °C, shade it at midday to prevent sunburn.
July
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Best outdoors: sunny balcony, terrace or garden – acclimatise it to full sun gradually.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
Above 35 °C, shade it at midday to prevent sunburn.
August
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Best outdoors: sunny balcony, terrace or garden – acclimatise it to full sun gradually.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
Above 35 °C, shade it at midday to prevent sunburn.
September
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Best outdoors: sunny balcony, terrace or garden – acclimatise it to full sun gradually.
Bring it in when nights drop below 15 °C. Check for pests first.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
October
It ends with the first frosts – collect seeds for next year.
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
No feeding now.
The sunniest window (south or west).
November · now
Nothing to do now – plan spring sowing and order seeds.
December
Nothing to do now – plan spring sowing and order seeds.
Ocimum tip: Pinch out flower buds to keep the leaves aromatic; it hates cold drafts.
Basil – what to know
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) – family: Lamiaceae, genus: Ocimum. Care guidelines: light: full sun; water: medium; min. 10 °C. It is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Basil?
Moderately: water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry, and never let it sit in standing water.
How much light does Basil need?
It needs plenty of direct sun – the sunniest window, or outdoors in summer, suits it best.
How cold can Basil get?
Keep it above 10 °C – it is frost-tender and needs a frost-free spot in winter.
Is Basil toxic to cats and dogs?
It is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
When does Basil flower?
According to the general guideline for the genus Ocimum: Typical flowering time: July, August, September.
What members’ data shows
When does it really bloom?
No blooms logged yet. If yours flowers, your data will be the first!
Average watering interval
Not enough watering logs yet. Waterings logged in the care hub feed this chart.
Questions about this species
Ocimum
Care data is for guidance only.
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