Sweet Green Basil Herb Seeds

Sweet Green Basil is a frost-tender annual herb that grows best in warm conditions, full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth and a steady supply of fresh aromatic leaves.

Quick Start

• Sowing season: Spring to summer after frost
• Sowing depth: 2–5mm
• Germination: 5–10 days
• Germination temperature: 20–30°C
• Plant spacing: approximately 30cm
• Position: Full sun
• Mature height: approximately 50cm
• Maturity: approximately 60–80 days
• Harvest: begin light picking once plants are well established

Sowing

Sweet Green Basil can be direct sown or raised as seedlings.

For direct sowing:

1. Prepare fertile, well-drained soil.
2. Wait until frost risk has passed and conditions are warm.
3. Sow approximately 2–5mm deep.
4. Keep the soil evenly moist during germination.
5. Thin seedlings once established.

For seedling raising:

1. Fill trays or small pots with fine seed-raising mix.
2. Sow approximately 2–5mm deep.
3. Keep warm and consistently moist.
4. Provide bright light after germination.
5. Transplant once seedlings are established and outdoor conditions are reliably warm.

When to Sow

For most Australian climates, sow:

Spring through summer

General guidance:

• Cool climates: spring to early summer
• Temperate climates: spring through summer
• Subtropical climates: late winter through summer where frost risk is low
• Tropical and frost-free climates: a broader sowing window is possible, avoiding periods of excessive heat or prolonged wet-season humidity where necessary

Basil dislikes cold soil and frost.

Germination

Expect germination in approximately:

5–10 days

Aim for approximately:

20–30°C

Warm conditions promote reliable establishment. Avoid cold, saturated growing media.

Position & Spacing

Grow in:

Full sun

Aim for around 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily where practical.

Allow approximately:

30cm between plants

If planting rows, allow around 30–45cm between rows.

In very hot conditions, light afternoon protection can help reduce stress, particularly for plants growing in containers.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

For garden-grown basil:

• water deeply when the upper soil begins to dry;
• direct water towards the root zone;
• avoid repeatedly wetting the foliage;
• use mulch where useful to reduce moisture loss.

For containers:

• check moisture more frequently during hot weather;
• water thoroughly when required;
• ensure excess water drains freely;
• do not allow pots to sit permanently in water.

Repeated severe wilting can slow growth and encourage premature flowering.

Feeding

Basil benefits from reasonably fertile soil.

Incorporate mature compost or another suitable soil amendment before planting where required.

Container-grown plants can be fed periodically during active growth according to the fertiliser manufacturer's directions.

Pinching & Harvesting

Once plants have several established sets of leaves:

1. Find a healthy pair of leaves.
2. Cut or pinch the stem just above that pair.
3. Allow the side shoots below the cut to develop.
4. Repeat regularly as the plant grows.

This encourages branching and a fuller plant.

Begin light harvesting once plants are well established rather than waiting for full maturity.

Managing Flowers

If leaf production is your priority, remove developing flower spikes before flowering becomes extensive.

Leave some flowers if you want blooms for pollinators or intend to save seed.

Growing Sweet Basil in Pots

Sweet Green Basil is well suited to containers.

For one well-developed plant, use a pot approximately 20–30cm wide or larger with:

• good drainage holes;
• quality potting mix;
• a sunny position; and
• regular watering.

Container-grown basil may need more frequent watering than plants in garden beds.

Succession Sowing

For a longer supply of fresh basil, sow smaller batches approximately every:

3–4 weeks

during suitable warm weather.

Other Basil Varieties

For broader leaves and classic pesto use, see Large Leaf Sweet Basil Herb Seeds.

For sweet anise and liquorice notes suited to Asian cooking, see Thai Basil Herb Seeds.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest healthy young leaves and stems as required.

Fresh basil is best used soon after picking.

Avoid prolonged storage at very low temperatures because basil foliage can darken and suffer chilling injury.

For longer storage, basil can also be frozen, dried or incorporated into pesto and sauces.

Seed Storage

Store unused seed sealed in a cool, dry and dark place away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.