When to plant basil in Melbourne
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Melbourne's last spring frost.
Step 1 · Sow
Direct sow outdoors
Oct 22 – Nov 12
Sow straight into warm, workable soil.
Step 2 · Harvest
Harvest window
Dec 21 – Jan 20
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
From sowing to first pick.
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Melbourne?
Direct-sow around late October (Oct 22–Nov 12) in Melbourne, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 79%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Melbourne?
Expect to harvest from around late December (Dec 21–Jan 20) in Melbourne, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 73%.
How long is the growing season in Melbourne?
Melbourne has roughly 365 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 Melbourne's frost dates.
Confidence 81/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.