When to plant basil in Dunedin
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Dunedin's last spring frost of Oct 18.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Sep 13 – Oct 4
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Oct 25 – Nov 15
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Dec 24 – Jan 23
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Dunedin's 178-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Dunedin'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 18
APR 14
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Dunedin?
Direct-sow around late October (Oct 25–Nov 15) in Dunedin, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 68%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Dunedin?
Expect to harvest from around late December (Dec 24–Jan 23) in Dunedin, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 61%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Dunedin?
Start seeds indoors around mid September (Sep 13–Oct 4) in Dunedin, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 65%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Dunedin?
Transplant outdoors around late October (Oct 25–Nov 15) in Dunedin, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 68%.
How long is the growing season in Dunedin?
Dunedin has roughly 178 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 Dunedin's frost dates.
Confidence 68/100 · NASA POWER (modeled) · 1991–2020 · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.