WhatoGrow

When to plant basil in Canberra

Canberra sits in Australia's cool temperate zone. Computed from Canberra's Bureau of Meteorology climate averages, here is the basil window:

Sow

January – February

Transplant

Harvest

~1 months after sowing

Cool temperate zone tip

Wait until after Melbourne Cup weekend to plant basil in Melbourne. Cool soil rots seedlings.

Frost matters here: the last frost around Canberra typically falls in December, with the first returning around March. Basil is frost-sensitive, so keep it inside that frost-free run.

Full basil growing guide →Everything to plant in Canberra

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Frequently asked questions

When can I plant basil in Canberra?

In Canberra (cool temperate zone), sow seed January – February. Expect to harvest roughly 1 months after sowing.

Can you grow basil in Canberra?

Yes — basil grows well around Canberra when planted in its window. Wait until after Melbourne Cup weekend to plant basil in Melbourne. Cool soil rots seedlings.