When to plant basil in Adelaide
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Adelaide's last spring frost of Aug 15.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Jul 11 – Aug 1
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Aug 22 – Sep 12
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Oct 21 – Nov 20
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Adelaide's 304-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Adelaide's growing year
Frost-bounded season with crops mapped onto the 12-month axis.
Frost risk Growing Harvest
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
FROST
AUG 15
JUN 15
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Adelaide?
Direct-sow around late August (Aug 22–Sep 12) in Adelaide, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Adelaide?
Expect to harvest from around late October (Oct 21–Nov 20) in Adelaide, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 72%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Adelaide?
Start seeds indoors around mid July (Jul 11–Aug 1) in Adelaide, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 76%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Adelaide?
Transplant outdoors around late August (Aug 22–Sep 12) in Adelaide, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.
How long is the growing season in Adelaide?
Adelaide has roughly 304 frost-free days, which is enough time to grow basil to maturity outdoors.
The rule of thumb
Sow basil 6–8 weeks before your last spring frost; plant out 2–3 weeks after it. Every date on this page is derived from that rule and Adelaide's frost dates.
Confidence 80/100 · NOAA GHCN-Daily · 1991–2020 normals · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.