Basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a tender, aromatic annual herb, best treated as a warm-season crop or windowsill plant in the UK climate. At IET, we usually go for the English basil cultivar because its hardy nature makes it a great fit for Yorkshire weather.

An essential ingredient in Italian cooking, basil can be used in salads, sauces, and, of course, pesto. It’s best torn rather than cut and added at the end of cooking in order to preserve its flavour.

Basil needs warmth, good light, and protection from cold. It’s advisable to pinch out flower spikes to allow the leaves to keep coming through.

The best time of year to sow basil is from April to May, under cover, before planting out around June once you’re sure the risk of frost has passed.

You can harvest the leaves throughout the summer, before flowering, to get the best flavour.

Our planting guides are designed to help you get the best from your fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Every garden is unique, so growing conditions, weather, soil, and climate can affect results. Use this information as a helpful guide, and adapt it to suit your local conditions and gardening experience. Happy growing!