Basil is a deliciously fragrant, quick growing herb that pairs perfectly with tomatoes, garlic and lemon. It is an annual in most areas, so it will die down in winter. Be sure to pick all the leaves before it does and dry or freeze them into butter cubes to make the most of your harvest!


How to grow basil in a garden

  1.  Choose a spot in your garden that is sunny, however basil will also do well in a partly shaded position. 
  2.  Sow seeds into well drained soil, enriched with Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed.
  3. Keep the soil moist and mulch with an organic mulch, such as pea or lucerne straw. Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Natural Fish Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate to promote lots of healthy green leaves.
  4. Water the base of the plant rather than the leaves to help prevent leaf diseases.

 

How to grow basil in a pot

  1. Choose a spot in your garden for your pot that is sunny however basil will also do well in a partly shaded position.
  2. Sow seeds into quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix
  3. Keep the soil moist and feed weekly with Yates Thrive Natural Fish Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate to promote lots of healthy green leaves.
  4. Water in the morning at the base of the plant rather than the leaves to help prevent leaf diseases.

Yates Varieties

Basil 'Genovese'

Genovese basil is an essential ingredient for Italian cuisine, especially for using in fresh pesto and aromatic 'insalata caprese'.

Sweet Basil

Abundant bunches of lush green leaves with rich fragrance.

Thai Basil

Thai basil is an essential ingredient in Thai, Vietnamese, Lao and Cambodian cuisines. Add some anise-flavoured 'X-factor' to Thai curries.

Holy Basil 'Krishna Tulsi'

Aromatic Tulsi is tradionally used in India in herbal teas and as an Ayurvedic remedy. In Hindusim, Tulsi is revered as a holy plant.

Basil 'Gourmet mix'

An attractive culinary collection of Basil varieties including Thai Basil, Lemon Basil, Cinnamon Basil and Purple Basil.

Growing tips

  • Pinch out the tips of plants to encourage a bushy habit and remove any flowers that start to form.
  • Harvest leaves regularly to encourage more foliage.

  • Feed regularly to promote an abundance of lush green leaves.

  • For maximum flavour, pick basil leaves in the morning after the dew dries, but before the day heats up.



More Plants

Savory

Savory smells as good as it looks! Learn how you can grow savory in your garden or pots.

Tarragon

Tarragon is an essential herb in French cooking. It's very drought and cold tolerant. Tarragon can be grown in pots or large tubs and can be harvested all year round.

Parsley

We take parsley for granted because it's so familiar: but it's really a culinary superhero. There's nothing dull about it; everything tastes better with fresh parsley! Every kitchen deserves a parsley plant just by the door.

Chives

An incredibly versatile herb, chives bring a subtle hint of oniony flair to your dishes. An absolute delight in egg, fish and poultry dishes, or sprinkled over salads or soups.

Recommended products

Yates Premium Potting Mix

A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.