When to plant basil in Sydney
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Sydney's last spring frost of Jul 25.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Jun 20 – Jul 11
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Aug 1 – Aug 22
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Sep 30 – Oct 30
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Sydney's 345-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Sydney'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
JUL 25
JUL 5
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Sydney?
Direct-sow around early August (Aug 1–Aug 22) in Sydney, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Sydney?
Expect to harvest from around late September (Sep 30–Oct 30) in Sydney, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 76%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Sydney?
Start seeds indoors around mid June (Jun 20–Jul 11) in Sydney, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Sydney?
Transplant outdoors around early August (Aug 1–Aug 22) in Sydney, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.
How long is the growing season in Sydney?
Sydney has roughly 345 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 Sydney's frost dates.
Confidence 84/100 · NOAA GHCN-Daily · 1991–2020 normals · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.