When to plant basil in Canberra
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Canberra's last spring frost of Oct 10.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Oct 6 – Oct 27
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Nov 23 – Dec 14
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jan 22 – Feb 21
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Canberra's 204-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Canberra'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
OCT 10
APR 28
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Canberra?
Direct-sow around late November (Nov 23–Dec 14) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 81%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Canberra?
Expect to harvest from around late January (Jan 22–Feb 21) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 75%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Canberra?
Start seeds indoors around early October (Oct 6–Oct 27) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 79%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Canberra?
Transplant outdoors around late November (Nov 23–Dec 14) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 81%.
How long is the growing season in Canberra?
Canberra has roughly 204 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 Canberra's frost dates.
Confidence 83/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.